By Kathy L. Collins
For nearly five years, Glenn and Jill Nicholson have been lovingly creating old fashioned, handmade chocolates at their Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe located in downtown historic Plant City. The location of the shop befits the atmosphere and history.
Shoppers will simply feel good when they step inside Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe. Jill Nicholson said, “We enjoy the business. This is our happy place. We love the relationships we have built with our customers. It is a feel good atmosphere where everybody is happy.”
The Nicholsons make all kinds of chocolates, but their best sellers include the deliciously decadent turtles, caramels dipped in either dark or milk chocolate with salt and buckeyes.
For Valentine’s Day, they will have an array of assorted pre-packaged chocolates and different kinds of pops. Shoppers can always make up their own box for their valentine. They will have fresh dipped strawberries, which you can come in and pick up, but it is best to call ahead and order them. The Nicholsons only dip strawberries on the weekends when Florida strawberries are in season. This is to ensure absolute freshness.
Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe is not a franchise but an independent branch of the historic Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe which originated in Upper Sandusky, Ohio in the late 1870’s. The Nicholsons have recreated the look and feel of the original shop. Jill Nicholson said, “Coming into the shop brings you back to simplicity of life and makes you feel good. This is what you want in chocolate: to feel good.”
So, if you want to try simply delicious chocolate made by local residents from ingredients that are free of preservatives, take a ride to Plant City and go to Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe. You will feel like you stepped back in time as you are welcomed into the lovely shop.
Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe is located at 106 Drane St. N.E. in historic downtown Plant City. They are open Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 704-6923 and follow them on Facebook.
