The Sunshine State is getting a sweet infusion of Scandinavian flavor as two new candy shops open their doors in Florida. The Pirate Candy Shop has set sail in St. Petersburg, while ScandyCandy has expanded to Coconut Grove, following its successful debut in Coral Gables. These shops are bringing a taste of Europe to Florida, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and adventure for locals and tourists alike.
Both shops feature a wide array of imported candies, chocolates, and sodas from Sweden, providing a delightful departure from the typical American candy aisle. The shops’ self-serve setups allow customers to create their own candy mixes, mirroring the popular lösgodis pick-and-mix culture in Sweden. This interactive shopping experience is not only fun but also educational, as staff members are eager to share the differences in texture and taste between European and American candies.
The Pirate Candy Shop Anchors in St. Petersburg
The Pirate Candy Shop has opened its first Pinellas County location at 1614 Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg. The grand opening took place on Sunday, June 28, with gifts given to the first people who RSVP’d and showed up. The 850-square-foot storefront, formerly home to Tabatha Exquisite Touch Beauty Salon, now houses a treasure trove of sodas, chocolates, gummies, and pick-and-mix candy from Sweden.
The shop’s journey began as a pop-up in Hyde Park Village, Tampa, where long lines and social media buzz led to its expansion across the bay. The owners, two international families, are passionate about sharing the pleasure and taste of natural ingredients found in true chocolate and candy. Their featured product, BUBS candy stands out with its sour and fruity flavors, all 100% vegan and made without gelatin or animal-derived ingredients.
The Grand Central District in downtown St. Pete offers a vibrant backdrop for the new shop, with walkable access to independent shops, bars, and restaurants. Murals fill the corridor, adding to the area’s artistic charm. The Hyde Park Village location helped the concept go viral last fall, with weekend crowds and word-of-mouth pushing the decision to expand into St. Petersburg.
ScandyCandy Sets Sail to Coconut Grove
ScandyCandy, founded by Willie Olsen, has expanded to Coconut Grove after its successful debut in Coral Gables. The new location opened on Saturday, May 9, on Commodore Plaza across from Greenstreet Cafe. The grand opening featured giveaways and promotions, drawing in crowds eager to try the shop’s colorful pick-and-mix candy wall.
The Coral Gables location sold out its entire inventory within just nine days of opening, proving the popularity of Swedish candy among University of Miami students. The Coconut Grove store continues this trend, offering bins of imported candy sold by weight. Customers can build their own mix of gummies, chocolates, and sour treats, much like the Coral Gables location.
Part of ScandyCandy’s appeal lies in its ingredients. Unlike many American candy brands, Swedish candy often avoids artificial dyes and high fructose corn syrup, offering a larger variety of vegan-friendly options. The move to Coconut Grove feels natural for the brand, as the area attracts many UM students looking for places to eat, shop, and spend time off-campus.
With its expansion to Coconut Grove, ScandyCandy has become a part of Miami student culture. The new location is likely to become another student hotspot, following in the footsteps of its successful Coral Gables predecessor.
A Sweet Adventure for All
Both The Pirate Candy Shop and ScandyCandy position themselves as more than just candy stores. They offer a nostalgic taste of home for European transplants and an adventure candy experience for local families. Tourists trying Scandinavian sweets for the first time make up another customer base, drawn in by the unique shopping experience and the allure of imported treats.
As these Swedish candy shops continue to expand and gain popularity, they bring a piece of Europe to Florida. Whether you’re a local looking for a sweet treat or a tourist eager to try something new, these shops offer a delightful departure from the ordinary.
