A Chi-Town Sweet Tooth

In Chicago, there’s a spot called that is bringing the sweetness to the Windy City .

BY ZOË LOUREY-CHRISTIANSON

unchiez is a new Black-owned novelty candy store and cereal bar in the Beverly neighborhood (south side) of Chicago. Munchiez is owned and operated by Qiana Allen, 40. Because of Allen’s business savvy and hard work, Munchiez opened this past August in the middle of the pandemic and has found great success. “The biggest challenge we’ve faced is learning how to pivot during this pandemic,” said Allen, who started the business with her kids. “The biggest challenge we’ve faced is learning how to pivot during this pandemic,” said Allen, who started the business with her kids. “I’ve owned and operated several businesses prior to opening Munchiez but I’d have to say my proudest moment as an entrepreneur has been starting this business journey with my kids. I’ve always wanted to teach them entrepreneurship and we’ve found a way to do just that through things they love which are cereal and candy.” Their motto is “A Place Where Childhood Lasts Forever,” and it’s true. No matter your age, you will truly feel like a kid in a candy store. Munchiez has some exciting plans for the new year! Soon, they will be launching “Munchiez After,” a late night event where adult customers will be able to bring their own alcohol and enjoy the cereal bar. Allen said they also plan to bring back Munchiez birthday parties and more once public health restrictions are lifted. “We look forward to when things are back to normal so that we can introduce more of the original ideas we had prior to the COVID crisis and we can show Chicago how dope Munchiez really is.”