Sep 10, 2008

New sweet shop candy offers country charm, candy, specialty sweets and moreBy Andra GalabinskiNorthFortMyersNeighbor.com

Florida — The phone number for the new Simply Sweet Treats shop in Merchant’s Crossing is 652-YUMM, describing its wares. There’s Edy’s Brand ice cream, bulk candies, hand-dipped strawberries and other gourmet treats along with gift baskets — in a quaint country store-type atmosphere.

The owners are Ed and Marilyn Stathas, who realized every kids’ dream by opening the sweet shop.

“Just like every little kid, we like candy and ice cream and had been looking to open an ice cream store,” said Ed Stathas.

He said the two did their homework to scout out a good location. One big plus is being right next door to the AMC Theater in Merchants Crossing area.

“From all the other places, this one afforded us the opportunity to have everything from ice cream to gourmet chocolates, candy, fudge, specialty coffee drinks and smoothies, where we were limited at other places,” he said.

Ice cream comes in 16 flavors, with the premium Edy’s Brand. Flavors range from traditional vanilla and chocolate to “loaded flavors” like Heath Bar and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and there is sugar free vanilla, caramel swirl and butter pecan.

Bulk candy barrels and baskets line the walls, with sweets ranging from many Jelly Belly flavors to all chocolate mixes. There’s nuts, peanuts, pretzel dips and Gummy Bears.

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