Imtihan Alaid is a new business owner in downtown Springfield. She is the proud owner of Asa Al-Furat, a bakery featuring Iraqi goods such as herbal teas and bakery items that aren’t commonly seen in traditional American bakeries.
“Asa is actually my nickname. It means the person can heal your soul and heart,” Alaid said, explaining the meaning behind her company’s name. “Al-Furat is just what the river is called by our city.”
Asa Al-Furat opened last week at 207 Park Central East. Alaid said her goal is to share her Iraqi culture with the people of Springfield.
“I like to provide desserts for people,” Alaid said. “I feel happy when I eat desserts, so I think people will have the same if they try it.”
Alaid, originally from Iraq, fled to Turkey with her family in 2014 when the terrorist group ISIS launched a major offensive in her home country.
“We thought it was going to be like six months and then we would be back,” she said. “We never thought in our life that we would come here to the U.S.”
Alaid said she sees the limited number of Arabic food options in Springfield as an opportunity for her business to stand out.
The menu at Asa Al-Furat includes desserts like baklava and cloud cake, as well as savory items like salad and a toast sandwich. In addition to Iraqi teas and coffee, there are also cold drinks like lemonade and iced hibiscus.
The young entrepreneur said it wouldn’t have been possible to launch the business without the support of her family.
“I opened it with my family,” she said. “If it was alone, I couldn’t.”
Imtihan Alaid displays an Iraqi baked dessert on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Springfield. (Photo by Elise Dust)
Alaid said her mother is proud of her for opening her own business.
“She was excited, too, because she was wanting me to experience business life, communicate with people and get friends around, get to know people here,” Alaid said.
While the bakery is still in it’s early days, Alaid said the response from the Springfield community has been positive.
“We feel like we have a community here because all the people, our neighbors, our friends, are just amazing people and supportive,” Alaid said.
Asa Al-Furat is in the historic Holland Building in the space previously occupied by European Café.
Alaid has aspirations that go beyond opening a bakery. She said she still hopes to go back to school and earn a degree in nursing.
“I already have my certificate from Turkey,” she said. “After I settle down and I have enough to pay for an employee, I’ll go back to school.”
The bakery owner also hopes to continue her education in Europe and possibly become a doctor. In the meantime, she hopes to continue growing her business and accomplishing her dreams as a young entrepreneur.
“It’s going well,” she said. “So, I’m looking forward to the future.”
Follow Asa Al-Furat’s Instagram page to stay updated on the bakery’s latest items.
Alaid said she is still finalizing the exact hours the business will be open.
Elise Dust is an intern at the Springfield Daily Citizen. She is currently a Junior at Missouri State University studying journalism and marketing. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, cooking and spending time with her friends and family. More by Elise Dust