In the heart of Richmond, a new candy adventure awaits. Trolley Car Sweets and Treats, a Scandinavian-inspired candy store, has opened its doors at 407 Strawberry St. in the Fan. This isn’t just any candy shop; it’s a miniature candy kingdom filled with nearly 7,000 pounds of confections from around the world.
The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Jacob Horsfall and Nikki Victoria, Trolley Car Sweets and Treats is a testament to their shared love for candy and entrepreneurial spirit. Their journey began long before they had a lease or a logo, with vacations often including stops at local candy stores wherever they traveled.
The Sweet Beginnings of Trolley Car Sweets and Treats
Horsfall and Victoria’s love for candy is evident in every aspect of their shop. From sour peach ovals and potent pineapple rings to strawberry marshmallow cubes and the Scandinavian staple salty licorice, their pick-and-mix lineup features nearly 100 varieties of gummies and other candies sourced from Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Spain, Turkey, Germany, Mexico, and the Netherlands.
The couple’s years in corporate customer service have shaped their business instincts, but what truly drives them is their childlike enthusiasm for candy. Their journey includes decades of working at companies like Target and Amazon, with Horsfall also serving in the Peace Corps and teaching middle school geography. This diverse background has given them a unique perspective on business and a deep understanding of customer service.
A Community of Sweet Tooths
In 2026, Horsfall and Victoria relocated to Richmond from Charlotte, North Carolina, to be closer to family. This fresh chapter deepened their sense of entrepreneurial possibility. They spent over a year refining their business plan and developing their brand with local agency Night Swim. Their shop is nestled among neighboring businesses like ice cream shop Scoop, Italian carryout 8 1/2, and crafting space Les Sardines Studio, close to Scuffletown Park.
The interior of Trolley Car Sweets and Treats is a feast for the eyes, with playful botanical wallpaper stretching across the room like illustrations in a children’s book. The familiar scent of sugar hits immediately, a saccharine smack that feels nostalgic and transportive. Every few feet brings another surprise: gooseberry jelly frogs, Ferrari-shaped sour citrus cars, mushroom-shaped banana-caramel marshmallows, and tart mango-cola gummies.
The Candy Adventure Awaits
Upon entry, patrons receive a pair of tongs and a Trolley Car-branded paper bag and set off on a walk-around adventure. The concierge-style service is meant to feel inviting, with the owners ready to field and ask questions: “Do you like chewy?” “Want something strikingly sour?” “Craving familiar but different?”
A gummy guide explains the range of textures, from springy, airy marshmallows to soft, elastic-like foam candies; firm and springy traditional varieties; and bold and dense licorice. The premium candy is sold by the pound ($20), and the store also sells prepackaged signature Trolley Car mixes. Victoria is especially excited for customers to discover new-to-them flavors and textures, while Horsfall gravitates toward the firm yet chewy rhubarb-lemon licorice logs and foamy wild strawberry and pomegranate Bubs candies.
Trolley Car Sweets and Treats is more than just a candy store; it’s a community hub where everyone can find their candy moment. Whether you’re a Necco wafer revivalist or a traditional salty Scandinavian licorice lover, there’s something for everyone at this sweet new destination in Richmond.
