MANSFIELD — Pickle and ketchup soda, gourmet chocolate and Perry’s Ice Cream are just a few of the hundreds of items that will soon fill the shelves of the historic Caldwell Bloor Building at 80 W. Third St.
“For someone who has never been, it may sound overwhelming,” said Chris Beers, founder of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop. “I want this to be an experience where people can come in, slow down and enjoy life.”
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is set to open its doors on Thursday at 4:05 p.m.
“It is important to note that we open at 4:05 p.m., not 4 p.m.,” he said. “If you show up at 4 p.m., we won’t be ready.”
The specific time is a nod to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the classic film that inspired both the store’s name and Beers’ love for the business.
The history behind Grandpa Joe’s
Beers opened the first Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 2012. Since then, the company has grown to include 20 locations across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, West Virginia and Minnesota.
As self-proclaimed Willy Wonka enthusiast, Beers said the name comes from the beloved character from the film, a grandfather who left his sick bed to accompany Charlie to the fabled chocolate factory.
Beers said the growth of the business has been a rewarding journey.
“It has been an absolute honor to continue to grow my company and add so many incredible team members who have helped fuel our success,” he said.
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is home to more than 350 varieties of old-fashioned glass-bottled sodas, including unique flavors such as Mint Julep, Almond Cream and even Toothpaste.
For those who prefer something more traditional, the shop also offers classic options like grape, orange, root beer and Mexican Coke.
“I have tried almost every single flavor of soda we offer,” Beers said. “My personal favorite would have to be one of our Sarsaparilla sodas.”
Beers also bottles some of the sodas himself through a bottling company he owns.
In addition to sodas, the store will feature 20 flavors of Perry’s Ice Cream, available in hand-scooped cones, malts, milkshakes and floats.
For candy lovers, Grandpa Joe’s offers the popular $5 Candy Buffet — a box customers can fill with any sweets they choose. As long as the lid closes, the price is $5.
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Mansfield chosen as the next sweet spot
“My team blindfolds me, spins me around ten times and I throw a dart at a map,” Beers said Monday with a laugh. “This time, the dart landed on Mansfield.”
He said the company initially explored smaller properties near Fourth and South Main streets owned by John Fernyak and Engwiller Properties.
Beers said he later decided on the larger space at the Caldwell Bloor Building on West Third Street, owned by Carl Fernyak, John’s son, and Carrousel Properties.
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Store will take over the building’s first floor. Beers said Carl Fernyak has also been instrumental in helping them navigate the new store opening.
“We are incredibly excited to be opening in downtown Mansfield,” Beers said. “We have had incredible success in many other downtown communities throughout Ohio.”
Beers spoke of the transformation happening in downtown Mansfield and said he’s eager to contribute to the growing momentum.
“My hope is that our customers come for the Grandpa Joe’s experience, but stay to explore all of the other independent businesses throughout downtown,” he said.
Jennifer Kime, CEO of Downtown Mansfield Inc., said the candy shop is a perfect addition to the area.
“Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop couldn’t be a better fit for the space or the neighborhood,” Kime said.
“With its location near the carousel, library and children’s museum, it’s the perfect spot for families to come downtown and enjoy what Mansfield has to offer.”
(Below are photos taken Monday inside Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop. The new store at 80 W. Third St. opens Thursday at 4:05 p.m. Credit: Hannah Martin)
