Oak Park couple Alycia and Patrick Mason are thrilled to announce the opening of their full-service candy store, Candycopia. Created with community and diversity top of mind, Candycopia is a store designed to hit your sweet spot while celebrating small-batch, diverse-owned and socially responsible candy makers. Located in the heart of Oak Park’s Hemingway District, Candycopia opens the doors at 717 Lake Street on June 18th with a Grand Opening celebration which will include special events, giveaways, and of course free tastings.
Candycopia will be focused on the discovery of sweet, new confections and the stories of the artisans who make them. Highlights include a 20-foot-long, wood-finished, “gummy bar” with more than 125 apothecary jars filled with various gummies and chocolate dipped items; a fresh case of locally-crafted truffles and bonbons; and guided tasting experiences such as candy flights, featuring pairings of candy specialties by artisans from Chicago and beyond. Other offerings include an ice cream bar with a menu of candy-forward sundaes and soda floats, fresh fudge, chocolates, handmade caramels, toffee, small-batch marshmallows, cotton candy, as well as nostalgic and novelty treats.
In addition to the store, the Masons have designed a Candycopia pop-up experience, featuring an antique candy cart, complete with colorful, candy-filled vessels, available to rent for weddings, block parties, and more. Furthermore, their website includes an online store offering birthday, holiday and corporate gifting options. Partnerships will be another focus of the business, designed to support family-focused non-profits like New Moms (www.NewMoms.org) and Hephzibah Children’s Association (www.HephzibahHome.com). They’ll also launch events with neighboring businesses including breweries and wine merchants.
The idea to open Candycopia first came to the Masons after spending summers in Massachusetts, where they were inspired by a local candy store. Wishing such a destination existed in Oak Park, the Masons sought to build on the concept by making a point of sourcing specialties from diverse and socially responsible candy makers, and creating a restaurant-like environment that would allow staff to guide customers in making their own sweet discoveries.
Over the past two years The Masons felt a pull to be a closer part of their community and spend more time together as a family. Patrick’s experience in Public Relations and Communications combined with Alycia's business and digital acumen gave them the confidence to embark on this small business adventure. Alycia will provide support behind the scenes while Patrick - a self-described ‘food nerd’ - will hold the post as the family representative in the store and curator of Candycopia’s tasting experiences. Their two young daughters will take turns behind the counter as well, learning the family business and bringing the community and diversity-focused concept to life.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up