Niles native Daysha Amster said that in the back of her mind, she wanted to own a restaurant since she began training to become a chef.

“Ever since I was in culinary school, I thought, I need to have my own place,” she said.

Amster’s dream came true Thursday with the opening of her first eatery, Olfactory Hue Bistro, at 226 E. Main St., Niles.

In one of the largest turnouts recently for a Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting, Olfactory Hue Bistro was welcomed to downtown Niles.

“Thank you for making the investment here,” said Lisa Croteau, Niles DDA Main Street program manager. “Thank you for coming home.”

Juan Ganum, Niles community development director, said there are now five restaurants just in the 200 block of East Main Street —The Nuggett, The Hob Nob,

The Paris Soda Shop and most recently, Olfactory Hue and Pizza Transit.

Amster expressed her gratitude to the community for welcoming her and helping her prepare for opening.

“We were really unbelievably, potentially close to this not happening,” said Amster, a mother of two young children.

“I miss sleep,” she said with a laugh, “but it’s worth it.”

Amster, who specialized in French and Belgian cuisine at the Art Institute in Seattle, strives to use local and organic ingredients as much as possible.

Olfactory Hue’s menu includes brunch options, like Hawaiian French toast and green eggs and ham; sandwiches, including a Cajun turkey sandwich and farmhouse burger; a variety of salads and small plates; a main course selection; and kids’ menu.

Olfactory Hue serves gourmet coffee by the pound, and smoothies are named after local businesses.

The restaurant employs eight people. The bistro, which seats 52, is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch. Amster plans to add a liquor license within a year.

Olfactory Hue was open Thursday night only for dinner service; all proceeds from alcohol sales benefited the Niles Burn Run.

Although Olfactory Hue is not currently open for dinner, Amster said that could change based on what her customers want.

“We’re letting it unfold organically,” she said. “We’re letting the community decide.”

Olfactory Hue Bistro can be reached at 687-0880 or daysha@gmail.com. View the menu at olfactoryhue.com/menu.