A trip to Stippy's in Blawnox is a sweet treat

Something sweet has sprouted along Freeport Road in Blawnox.

Stippy’s Sweet Treats, an old-time candy store, is stocked with all sorts of goodies from gumballs to guava soda to grab-and-go bags of gobstoppers.

“Any adult that opens up a bucket of Bazooka and takes a big whiff, I guarantee the smell takes you right back to your childhood,” store owner Chuck Stipetich said.

The Blawnox resident opened the corner shop in mid-January, spurred by his family’s desire to operate a small business in the borough.

The store is at 352 Freeport Road, adjacent to the barber shop and just up the block from the municipal office and fire hall. His family was leaning toward a sandwich shop but covid-19 pushed them in a different direction.

“We sat down and asked ourselves what the borough doesn’t have,” Stipetich said.

It didn’t take long before the family visited most of the candy stores within a 50-mile radius, he said.

“We asked a lot of questions, took pictures and we decided to open this spot.”

The aptly named Sweet Treats store is brimming with a bit of everything, for all ages.

There’s king size Zagnut bars, foot-long Laffy Taffy and lollipops the size of a hand.

Anyone who remembers penny candy stores from their youth will be thrilled to see El Bubble gum cigars, Gold Mine nugget bubble gum in fabric pouches and wax bottles.

Stipetich stocks Betsey Ann for people needing a higher-end chocolate fix, and he serves hot coffee and cold pop in bottles.

He didn’t forget man’s best friend, either. There are four flavors of all-natural pumpkin-based dog treats.

In just a short few weeks, the candy store has become the go-to spot for kids and adults alike.

“I’m right in between two school bus stops so it’s a good location,” Stipetich said with a smile.

The family is no stranger to small business. Stipetich grew up in Pittsburgh and previously owned three variety stores. He enjoys the constant flow of people and the conversation, he said.

To that end, he has set up a old-fashioned popcorn machine in his front window and gives away free bags of the warm treat to shoppers. The scent is sure to draw customers during the summer months.

Diane Casile, who runs the nonprofit outreach Best of Blawnox, said Stippy’s is a welcome addition to the borough.

“It’s a walk down memory lane with everything from the old-time candies to Betsy Ann Chocolates so you can find anything you need,” she said.

“It’s exciting to see the recent influx of new businesses into our community. With the variety of new and existing businesses in town, it’s definitely worth a walk down the main street.”

Even those without a sweet tooth will likely enjoy the nostalgia of the displays. Glass jars with large silver lids are filled with candy such as Bit-O-Honey and Tootsie Rolls.

Shoppers can purchase them by the piece or by the quarter-pound.

“I try to be fair with my prices,” Stipetich said. “I want to be the place that kids stop on the way to the ballpark. Truthfully though, the adults seem to like it just as much.”