Business & Tech
Powell's Sweet Shoppe Grand Re-Opening on Saturday
New owners plan a sweet celebration, including candy and prizes for the first 500, face painting, balloons, contests and a visit from Mr. Jelly Belly. Other business news: Grand opening of The Dailey Method and a digital filmmaking camp for kids.
It’s the ultimate kid fantasy. A candy shop like in Willy Wonka's world where you can find almost every kind of sweet imaginable. This Saturday, that dream comes true for kids of all ages with the grand re-opening of Powell’s Sweet Shoppe on Grant Avenue.
On June 8 Petaluma resident Rawan Zalatimo and her husband Firas Husein bought the business from Tom Pierce, who opened the shop at 879 Grant in 2006.
To make the transition, the new owners closed the store for 10 days and restocked the candy to the ceiling before having a soft opening on June 18.
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“Now we’re having a grand opening,” Zalatimo said.
To celebrate, the first 500 who visit will get free candy and prizes. There will also be face painting, balloons and contests in cotton candy eating and bubble gum blowing. At 1:30 p.m. there will be a drawing to win candy for a year and Mr. Jelly Belly will make an appearance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Owning a Powell’s Sweet Shoppe is also a dream come true for Zalatimo, who discovered the franchise last year.
“I went into Petaluma and fell in love with the Powell’s shop,” Zalatimo said. “But there weren’t any franchises available. So when the one in Novato came up, I was super-excited and jumped on it.”
In the North Bay, there are Powell’s Sweet Shoppes in Novato, Petaluma and Healdsburg. The first Powell’s, a flagship store still operating in Windsor, was founded in 2004 by Michael Powell.
According to the company website, the franchises are as much about nostalgia as they are about selling candy. Wax lips, black licorice, Wonka bars, Pop Rocks, Chick-O-Stick, candy necklaces and giant lollipops; the product selection is designed to take the customer on a trip down memory lane via Candy Cane Lane.
Zalatimo said Novato customers share her excitement on the re-opening, so filling the store with sweet inventory was a priority.
“We have over 4,000 candies and chocolates,” Zalatimo said.
But if you’re not in the mood for candy, there’s always the gelato counter or a wide variety of retro sodas.
Zalatimo said that the shop is also popular for gift items, special events, bridal and baby showers favors and candy for creating that essential birthday party goodie bag.
“We have something for everybody,” Zalatimo said.
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What: Powell’s Sweet Shoppe Grand Re-Opening
879 Grant Ave., Novato
When: Saturday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Why: "...because the Candy Man can and he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good."
Digital Filmmaking Camp for Kids
There are a few weeks left for kids (ages 10-12) to take a new day camp to learn digital filmmaking. For more information, click on this link to an article in Marin Mommies about Novato resident, Howard Gersh.
The Dailey Method Grand Opening
The Dailey Method workout studio is celebrating its grand opening weekend in Pacheco Plaza on July 30 and July 31 with free classes. You must pre-register online and classes are filling up. Click here for more information.
