Growing up in a family of eight siblings, Terri Treiber remembers cooking fried bologna sandwiches served with a glass of Kool-Aid for an after-school snack.

Now, as the co-owner of Food 4 The Soul, a café at 16842 E. Parkview Ave., suite 1, she has added the combination to the menu.

“I grew up on comfort food,” said Treiber. Although she has had no formal culinary training, Treiber said she has always wanted to be at this place in her life: operating an informal café that caters to simple food made daily from scratch.

She begins her day as early as 2:30 a.m. to handle food preparation.

She acquired Sun Baked Sweet Treats, a bakery and a lunch spot, from previous owner Heinz Luesse in 2017. She concentrated on pastries, donuts, sandwiches and a variety of quiches while wishing she could expand the menu.

Mike Jones, owner of Discount Air Care and Fountain Hills Detail Shop, decided to invest in Treiber’s business as a frequent customer.

“I knew she was having some growth issues,” said Jones. He became a business partner to help Treiber “get over the money hump.”

A commercial stove was purchased to expand the menu selections. Treiber added chicken and waffles, cornbread, fried okra, smothered pork chops and cheesy grits.

The breakfast choices include pancakes, waffles, oven French toast and at least seven varieties of quiche, including a crustless, gluten-free option.

Treiber’s chicken pot pies, available on Tuesdays, remain popular sellers. She suggests ordering them in advance, either baked or bake-it-yourself at home.

The restaurant can seat 25. New hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays. The business is closed Mondays. Treiber said she will open Sundays for private events.

Her “forbidden donuts” are sold only on Saturdays. Featured new flavors are maple/bacon and cereal toppings.

The restaurant’s telephone number is 480-837-2448.