Sweet Success: Sparta Native's Candy Shoppe Survives Pandemic

CHESTER, NJ - It isn't a common tale, a former microbiologist for Novartis turned-candy store owner, but it is perhaps that unique background that allowed Steve Jones and Black River Candy Shoppe to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I had the opportunity to take an early retirement package in '98 and opened the Black River Candy Shoppe in February of 1999," the Sparta native told Patch.

The store at 44 Main Street, according to Jones, was fashioned after similar stores owned by acquaintances in Valle Crucis and Boone, nestled in the mountains of North Carolina. And for more than two decades the store has been an unmitigated success.

"I believe that over the years we have become an anchor store for downtown Chester, drawing regular customers from as far away as Bergen County, Staten Island and NYC," Jones said.

And so it was a concern when such a landmark closes its doors in March. But Jones says that closure was a choice, as they were never forced.

"Although I did not have to close, being a food retailer, I opted to close in mid-March and remained closed until the first week in June as it was just not worth my time to remain open in essentially a ghost town," Jones said.

Jones said his reaction to the pandemic and closure was "similar to most everyone else."

"Do what we can to get through it and remain healthy," he said.

The closure caused the loss of quite a bit of inventory due to the shelf life and best by dates and Jones said he had to catch up on outstanding invoices from just before the shutdown.

And since reopening?

"Coming back in June was very slow and even July was off about 30 percent, but we have seen a nice jump back in traffic in August at which time I was able to bring one of my employees back," he said. "So far September, especially the weekends have been stronger, almost to usual levels for us."

But things are not completely normal in the store.

"Of course we have to follow protocols, be a 'mask cop' and try to keep our store limited to a certain number of customers at one time," Jones said. "Which is a challenge on these busier weekend days."

Bouncing back shouldn't be too hard for the Black River Candy Shoppe, which has received a number of accolades over the years.

"We have received a number of recognitions including the #1 candy store in New Jersey and one of the top 50 in the US awarded by Food Network Magazine and also #1 candy store in NJ awarded by Best Things Jersey," Jones said.

Besides the accolades, Jones is quick to point out the stock he has on hand.

"We have over 1,000 different candy items including a large selection of British candies, bulk candy sold by the lb., Jelly Belly, the latest in kid’s candy and most all of the old nostalgic candies still on the market and much more," he said.

Operating In A New World

Being open again has brought in happy customers happy to return to the shop and some degree of normalcy, Jones said.

"While trying to stay apolitical, I get a strong sense that the vast majority of folks are ready for it all to be over," Jones said. "Nevertheless, while folks have this feeling I have had very little push back from customers regarding following our or the CDC protocols."

Jones said that he has had fellow shop owners tell him that they have had customers refuse to wear a mask, and they were told that without a mask they would have to leave the store and would not be served.

"Fortunately, I have not experienced that and customers have been quite cooperative," he said.

As for what patrons and local officials can do to assist him and his business, Jones just wants more of the same.

"I am not sure there is much that can be done other than continue to support the business community," he said. "Some restrictions regarding signage, balloons, banners, etc. have been relaxed for the time being."

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