The Candy Kitchen on Madeira Beach, FL is a unique part of the beach’s history. Since it originally opened in 1950 it has been at the same location serving countless customers who search for a sweet-tooth fix. My mother grew up a few blocks from the store and tells how as a child she use to sneak from her mother with milk money to buy candy and other treats. I’m not sure how I was introduced to it. Probably my mother, but my earliest memory was somewhere in Junior High. Since my first visit there I’ve been to the Candy Kitchen on my own, in large groups, and on dates. The most memorable time in the shop was when I stopped by with a rose and a letter and told the younger owners (Brad and Lora) that I was sending Sarah on a scavenger hunt. They knew us from our plenty of visits so they were glad to help. The scavenger hunt ended on the beach where Sarah pulled pedals off a rose to find a ring…
Anyways there are lots of memories in the store. Sarah’s and my name are on the door, but it looks as if it has been damaged. I did find where I first wrote my name when I was in high-school. At least I thought I did. I couldn’t find my name where I remembered. However nearby I spotted what I thought was “Jerry.” Upon closer inspection of the faded ink, I realized it was one of my dates I took there. Somewhere in the store, besides the door, Sarah and I have our names from one of our many dates.
We were excited to take our kids for their first visit. Seriously what kid doesn’t enjoy a candy shop? Sarah and I got our usual Killer Sunday (homemade mint chocolate chip fudge and homemade chocolate peanut butter ice cream smothered with caramel chocolate, whip cream, nuts and a cherry.) Autumn picked a classic lollipop from their selection of nostalgic candy. Of course Pence went with a gummy alligator, the last thing we would expect her to get.
When we went outside to eat the goodies Autumn chomped into the lollipop leading to it breaking in pieces. Pence was to busy playing with her gummy alligator to pay any attention to Autumns tragedy.
The Candy Kitchen is a great mom and pop shop that should be visited by anyone in the area. Because of the quality of homemade treats and candy selection, as well as the welcoming customer service, it’s become a well visited place by locals and vacationers. Their success can be seen in the fact that they recently opened another store in Redington Shores. Be sure to stop by if you are in the area or check them out on Facebook.
