When you talk about your generation, you generally refer to the music, fashion and trendy eats and treats.
The Candy Store in downtown Sudbury caters to vintage candy lovers and takes customers on a nostalgic throwback.
Carrie Lajoie and her dog Nala manage the storefront at the end of Durham Street, near the railway.
“Everyone is happy when it comes to candy,” says Lajoie, who's been there for 8 years. “The store is a fun and chill environment with lots of laughter and smiles.”
Owned by candy connoisseur Mike Toppazzini, the store has been a haven for those with a sweet tooth or anyone needing a time warp since 2011.
Lajoie is a fan of chocolate, and loves flat Neapolitan Taffy, known once as KooKoo.
She said lots of customers come in for favourites like Satellite wafer discs, the edible paper money, a.k.a. Funny Money, or the liquid filled wax bottles now called Nik L Nip.
At this time of year, many look for some seasonal inspiration like Washburn’s Old Fashioned Christmas candy and traditional colourful ribbon candy that dates back about 200 years.
“It’s exactly the candy that some generations remember grandma putting out at this time of year in a bowl,” Lajoie said.
Many people of British extraction visit for their annual fix of chocolate marshmallow Tunnock’s Snowballs covered in sprinkled coconut. Scottish guests look for Edinburgh Rock. Contrary to how it sounds, the rock is a treat that melts in your mouth and is made with a Cream of Tartar base.
With customers travelling from Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins throughout the year for their candy fix, Lajoie gets a lot of requests for other favourites, too.
“Beeman’s stick gum, Fresh-en Up gooey squirt in your mouth gum, eye-wincing candy like Mega Sours and Pop Rocks are all requested from time to time,” Lajoie said.
She also said butterscotch Lifesavers are a very popular request that is often hard to import.
Oddly, a lot of black licorice treats like the old fashion pipes, black balls and Sen-Sen are sought after by enthusiasts.
Lajoie noted that candy trends have changed in recent years with newer generations of consumers.
“For whatever reason, there is a keen desire for all things hot and pickled,” she said.
For those feeling adventurous, The Candy Store carries a large inventory of Flamethrower candies and packaged, crunchy pickles that are sour and extra spicy.
The Candy Store is located at 154 Durham Street, near the YMCA.
It’s open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday’s 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The store is also open longer for Wolves games so fans can stop by to pick up Howler candy bags with a 10-per-cent discount.
The store also has a Facebook and Instagram page.
Anastasia Rioux is a writer in Greater Sudbury. Let’s Eat! is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.