BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Buckeye Candy Company

Candy culture runs deep for those who love sweet confections. Depending on when you were born, you may be a fan of Bun Bars, NECCO Wafers, or Pop Rocks. If you’re part of the TikTok craze (or your kids are), you’re likely familiar with Toxic Waste Slime Lickers, Planet Gummies, and Slaps.

Jay and Shana Sokol, owners of Buckeye Candy Company, are tapped into their clientele’s cravings, no matter their age.

“We are lifelong candy lovers and want to spread the joy that a sweet treat can bring,” Jay said. “Whether it’s a favorite treat from decades ago or the latest TikTok trend, we have something for everyone—with more than 1,000 candies in stock.”

Before they opened the shop three years ago, the Sokols considered locations all around Columbus. They settled on Gahanna when they discovered how supportive the community is of small businesses. And being close to I-270 doesn’t hurt, either!

“The easy accessibility from anywhere in Columbus is a bonus, but the warm nature of the Gahanna community is unlike anything we’ve seen anywhere else,” Jay said. “We have families who bring us vegetables from their gardens and share their favorite treats from around the world that we may not be familiar with. That doesn’t happen at big chains or franchises with no stake in the community.”

“We love that so many customers who stumbled upon us when we first opened in 2018 are still regulars—and that we know them, their families and their favorite treats. The mutual respect and support in Gahanna is beyond meaningful,” he said. “As a ‘Mom & Pop’ shop, we are so happy to be part of Gahanna.”♦

DID YOU KNOW? Buckeye Candy Company has the largest selection of British-imported chocolate in Central Ohio.