b.a. Sweetie Candy Co.

The largest candy store in the United States is not on the property of chocolate giants like Hershey or Mars but found along Brookpark Road in Cleveland. Since 1950, the b.a. Sweetie Candy Co. has been satisfying candy lovers and today offers a wealth of notable brands as well as nostalgic favorites across its 40,000-square-foot store. 

Upon walking in the door, customers are greeted with rows upon rows of shelves containing around 5,500 varieties of candy to choose from. Sweetie’s boasts such a large supply thanks not only to its role as a huge candy store but also as a supplier for northeast Ohio grocery store chains such as Heinen’s and Marc’s. 

Current owner Tom Scheiman has been at the helm at Sweetie’s since 1982 and now sees grandparents come in with their children and grandchildren, touring them through the store and sharing stories of the candies they enjoyed as children. Nostalgia abounds here, with a wide variety of old-school favorites like Mallo Cups and Necco Wafers on the shelves. Younger visitors also enjoy the search for trendy candy varieties like Squashies. (Made by Smarties, the candy is a favorite of Taylor Swift.) 

The b.a. Sweetie Candy Co. also owns two gourmet popcorn brands, including Campbell’s Sweets Factory, which is made on the Sweetie’s campus. Inside the candy store, visitors can also check out Sweetie’s Soda Shoppe, which offers 36 ice cream varieties, including 30 super premium flavors made on-site. Outside, visitors can enjoy the two 18-hole miniature golf courses, which are open May through mid-October. 6770 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, Ohio 44129, 216/739-2244, sweetiescandy.com