Candy Cottage set to open in Lower Burrell

Lisa Mroziak recognizes the irony of earning a food and nutrition degree, yet managing a candy store.

But the latter is always something the 55-year-old from Lower Burrell always wanted to do.

“I look at it as life’s too short, and I want to do the things I want to do,” she said.

On Thursday, June 1, Mroziak will open the Candy Cottage at 2764 Leechburg Road, at the former Hole in the Wall Gallery building.

Mroziak said the business is family-based, and family members are pitching in to get the store ready for opening day. The candy store is something that has been on Mroziak’s radar for the past couple of years.

After earning an undergraduate degree in food and nutrition from IUP, Mroziak worked as a dietitian. She also earned a master’s degree in education from Seton Hill University and taught home economics and nutrition courses before becoming a Realtor.

“It may seem very unrelated, but it kind of all ties in together,” she said.

As a real estate agent at Your Town Realty, Mroziak said the space along Leechburg Road always appeared attractive. As the sale price for the space dropped, she felt it was the perfect time to strike and buy the building.

Mroziak has many ideas for the Candy Cottage. The store’s inventory includes freeze-dried candy, gift-packaged candy, craft soda, vegan and gluten free options, and other chocolates, sweets and novelty items.

The Candy Cottage also will feature nostalgic candy, such as Razzles and Sky Bars — “things that you couldn’t just go into any store and buy,” Mroziak said.

There’s a lot of space in the building that, as the store is currently set up, isn’t being utilized. She plans to make use of the space as the business grows.

“We have a selection, but it’s going to be bigger,” Mroziak said. “We’re definitely going to expand this.”

She is looking forward to interacting with customers and operating the store, noting the Candy Cottage is something Lower Burrell and the neighboring communities don’t have.

Ryan Fiore noted the excitement Mroziak has for the candy store and said it’s always been something that was on her bucket list. Fiore will be working in the store.

“We have a chance to bring some more life to Lower Burrell, and I think that’s exciting,” said Fiore, 26.

Operating hours for the Candy Cottage are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

The hours may be adjusted as needed, Mroziak said.

“None of us can wait until June 1,” she said. “We’re all excited to open, and all the interaction with people will be fun.”