Neighborhood candy shops are by no means gone, at least if Samantha Paty has anything to say about it.
She's aiming to satisfy the sweet tooth of anyone on the North Shore, and the response after the opening of Jack's Sugar Shack last Thanksgiving has been, well, sweet.
"We couldn't have asked for a better location. We're right next to the walking bridge, and we get so many people stopping in just to see what we are," Paty said. "We hear, 'This is the coolest candy store I've ever been in,' all the time."
The shop is named for Paty's son, who frequently asks to visit local candy shops whenever the family travels. Not that they need much convincing; Paty said the whole family has a bit of a sweet tooth, which contributed to them wanting to open a candy shop of their own.
Think you can put away a 5-pound gummy bear? Jack's Sugar Shack has them, along with candied ants and more novelty candy.
It isn't just kids and families stopping in. Jack's Sugar Shack tries to carry a wide assortment of generational treats to appeal to the nostalgic factor.
"We wanted to be a store that anyone could walk into and have a good time," Paty said. "Plus, with the growth of tourism in Chattanooga, we figured a candy store would be a good idea."
More than anything, though, Paty said running a candy store is just fun. Watching people walk in and marvel at the selection and novelty candies never fails to bring forth a smile.
While typical bulk American candy is certainly available, items like Japanese butter cookies and spicy habanero-flavored gummy bears are big eye-catchers.
"For some of this candy, I can't even read the label," Paty laughed. "They're only in Japanese."
The shop is the first small business venture for Paty, but things have been smooth sailing thus far. She said she's looking forward to offering seasonal items like caramel apples and fudge when the time comes.
To inquire about a specific candy or for more information, call Jack's Sugar Shack at 803-5664.