Window Shopping

Sweet! MJ's Candy Bar

By Amanda Heironimus

WILL SHILLING PHOTO

One early afternoon in Dublin, the school bells will soon be ringing, setting masses of children free, and in this neighborhood many of them will escape to a cottage resting on High Street, bathed in bright colors and the sweet scent of cocoa.

For the moment, though, MJ's Candy Bar is relatively quiet. Co-owner Jeff Shaffer has found time to rest on a miniature stool and talk about his family's first entrepreneurial endeavor.

MJ's is not your average candy shop. Yes, the shelves are loaded with glass jars carrying all the standards, from Snickers bars to Milk Duds. But these timeless candies share space with trendier snacks including Dippin' Dots, tiny balls of multi-flavored ice cream.

Shaffer said he and his wife, Mary, wanted the Candy Bar to be a place where a whole family could come for a special treat. To that end, they've included a good selection of sugar- and allergen-free candies, as well as several lines of gourmet chocolates for those with more mature tastes.

WILL SHILLING PHOTO

Prices in the store range from allowance-friendly, 80-cent candy bars to $5 luxury, flavor-infused dark chocolate bars.

"We were interested in a fun, kid-oriented store, something our own kids could be excited about," said Shaffer.

The store includes several interactive stations, like a kiosk where shoppers can build their own giant pixie stick with a palette of rainbow-colored sugars. One wall is devoted to single-colored M&M's that can be mixed and matched to create a customized treat.

In addition to candy, and true to its name, MJ's has an Amish-crafted bar where little patrons can pick the candy topping for their buttercream-frosted cupcake, offered in flavors like peanut butter-chocolate chip and red velvet. Also served here are fruit slushies, as well as Stauf's coffee.

"We wanted to blend a nostalgic feel with a bright, upbeat atmosphere," he added, pointing out the larger-than-life push-button cash register, vintage 1960s Coke machine and bookcase filled with dollar comics.

Having seen many children hanging out at the local Starbuck's after school, the Shaffers saw the need for a "kid haven." The Candy Bar includes a side room with tables and chairs, a chalkboard wall and board games. The space is also used for chocolate tastings and birthday parties—complete with candy-stuffed pi?ata.

For the holidays, the Shaffers will offer gingerbread house-making events by appointment. Mary pre-bakes the foundations and all candy d?cor and frosting will be provided.

As Schaffer finished his coffee, a twentysomething girl entered the store with several wide-eyed adults. "I loved this place so much I had to bring in my family!" she said, beaming. Even grownups can find comfort in a kid haven.

November 29, 2007

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