Candy Shop to Open in Downtown Oconto

Two years after transforming an historic Oldsmobile dealership into a charming, one-of-a-kind coffee shop, Lynn and Todd Hearley are at it again. The owners of The Shop on Main, a coffee, tea, ice cream, and gift shop at 821 Main Street, fully renovated another historic building in Downtown Oconto. This winter, they completely gutted the two-story building at 1029 Main Street, next to Associated Bank, and fully renovated the space. They exposed the brick walls and tin ceilings and created a vintage industrial, old-style General Store motif for The Candy Shop, opening in summer 2023 for Copperfest weekend June 9-11, 2023.

The Candy Shop will feature treats and toys that are unique to the area. Of course, candy is the main attraction. Shoppers will find a mix of packaged candy and bulk candy that aren’t available in other stores in the area. They’ll also find artisan soda and small-batch fudge in diverse and fun flavors. As a savory complement to the sweets, The Candy Shop will sell fresh-popped popcorn in a variety of flavors. For the kids, the shop will carry educational wooden games and unique stuffed toys.

The Candy Shop plans to hold a Grand Opening celebration sometime in the summer. Store hours, yet to be confirmed, are tentatively set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

In addition to The Candy Shop on the main floor, the building houses a three-bedroom, two-bathroom Airbnb on the second floor. The Airbnb is called The Safe House, because of the onsite, walk-in safe that now serves as a cozy reading nook. The spacious 1,800 sq. ft. Airbnb rental bears the same vintage industrial look as the coffee shop and candy store.

Laura Lynn Rhode Photography will be opening a studio on the main floor, and there’s also space available for another business or a candy shop expansion.

Constructed in 1922, the building featured the first “modern” office space in Oconto. An attorney’s office was upstairs, and different retail stores operated downstairs. Beginning in 1976, the downstairs became an accountant’s office, and tenants lived in two upstairs apartments.

The recent renovations bring new purpose to the building and new energy to Oconto. Now, when people visit The Shop on Main and ask, “What else is there to do in Downtown Oconto?” Lynn and her staff direct them to another captivating shop to explore just down the street.

Category:

Subscriber Login