Brian Harris, 9, of Westport was the first customer through the door today as Crumbs Bake Shop had its official grand opening at 8 a.m. Brian and his Dad, Doug (partially hidden by door), were among the first 1,000 customers who got a free cupcake. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Dozens of Westporters were up early today to take advantage of the free cupcake giveway as Crumbs Bake Shop marked its official opening on Taylor Place. Some families were en route to soccer games and one woman said she was en route to the gym. “I need to work it off very quickly,” she said. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Maybe it was the good weather or more likely a $3.75 cupcake for free, but whatever the draw, there was a large crowd on hand today as Crumbs Bake Shop opened on Westport’s Taylor Place. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Today was the official grand opening of Crumbs Bake Shop and while the free cupcake giveaway drew a large crowd, an assistant manager said business has been “great” since the store opened for business Monday afternoon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff was on hand today to check out the crowds at the Crumbs Bake Shop opening and sample customers’ opinions. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Joyce Mueller for WestportNow.com

Herbert M. Allison Jr.: answers White House call. File photoPresident Barack Obama today nominated Westporter Herbert M. Allison Jr. to oversee the Treasury Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program.

If confirmed by the Senate, the Greens Farms resident would oversee the $700 billion financial rescue fund aimed at restoring rattled markets.

Allison, 65,  has been chief executive of Fannie Mae since it was seized by the government in September. He would succeed Neel T. Kashkari and become Treasury assistant secretary for financial stability.

In that role, Allison will be charged with overseeing several federal programs meant to improve the availability of credit, aid major automakers and bolster the housing market.

The “Hugging Culture” was the subject of a business breakfast today at Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk featuring business gurus Stew Leonard Jr. of Westport and Jack Mitchell, CEO of the Westport-based Mitchells/Richards family clothing business. Both men said good customer service was paramount to business success. About 150 people heard the businessmen speak about “creating a culture of enthusiastic, empowered employees who deliver unsurpassed customer service in a fun atmosphere.”  Each attendee received two best-selling Jack Mitchell books, “Hug your Customers,” and “Hug Your People.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Thriving despite a downtrend national retail environment, Rachel Florio (l.), owner The Goody Shop, one of Westport’s recent store openings (see WestportNow March 17, 2009), hosted a thank you reception tonight for its growing customer base. The event was co-sponsored by Fairfield County Home magazine and catered by Jordan Caterers Design of Darien. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com