Candy store loaded with sweet imports
Sibling co-owners stock shelves with strange worldly confections from as far away as Australia
“I’m a chip person,” announces Matthew Rafael, owner of Sweet Addictions Candy Co. on Dundas St. W. at Ossington Ave. “I’m a stale gummy person,” he adds.
Such is the kind of conversation one has at this new store that celebrates all that is great in imported candy.
Rafael, who’s partnered in this new venture with his sister Sydney — she’s still in school so comes in mainly evenings and weekends — divides the shop by region, featuring gems from the U.S., Britain, Europe and more. The Rafaels are working on getting more treats from Australia, Korea and Japan. “I’m trying to do everything,” he says.
This business concept is not particularly novel, at least in the Rafael family. Their parents owned two candy stores, years ago, one near Sick Kids and another near Toronto Western Hospital.
Rafael, who’s now 21, grew up in the aisles of these stores, and talk at home revolved around the food industry.
His mom now works at Sick Kids, and his dad works for a food wholesaler.
Rafael always knew he wanted to be his own boss. High school was not a huge success. “I wasn’t the best student,” he admits. “It really wasn’t my thing.”
After graduating, he worked in a few jobs, including one in landscaping, to save up money for his own venture. He brainstormed ideas for what that should be, but a candy store just seemed right. “Why don’t I stick to my roots?” he asked himself.
So Rafael started looking for a space. Landlords near the family’s home in Mississauga were reticent to rent to someone so young. One day, his mom, driving into work, saw this space on Dundas — it used to be the Lakeview Storehouse, which sold ready-to-eat meals and groceries.
Luckily, the landlord loved the concept and was very supportive of his young tenant. (Neighbours also have rallied. One donated a huge O’ Henry bar Halloween costume that now sits on display above the front cash, and many have been sending over customers.)
“I love businesses where you come in and you can meet and talk with the owner.” MATTHEW RAFAEL CO-OWNER, SWEET ADDICTIONS
Rafael got the place last fall and the entire family rallied to get it ready for opening. He says his dad in particular worked hard during 10 weeks of hands-on renovations.
The store opened in mid-October, and Rafael has been focusing on expanding the stock ever since. He’s got a huge range already, including Australian Maltesers, Milka bars from Poland and both Swedish Fish Oreos and Coffee Nut Birthday Cake M&Ms from the U.S. Novelty items like chocolate-covered insects sit near the cash.
While the basic focus here is shelves loaded with the best and strangest from around the world, Rafael knows the secret to this new venture will be his or his sister’s familiar face, and their connection to customers. “I love businesses where you come in and you can meet and talk with the owner.”