photos by JASMINE MARSHALL story by BRIANNA SIGMAN & JASMINE MARSHALL ‘A candy business that began in « house in Springfield has now turned into Jacksonvlles very own candy factory. ‘Sweet Petes, the newly renovated candy shop on Hogan Street, was originally hidden, easy-to-missbuilding timidinthefaceoftheskyscrapers Surrounding it. But now, as ofits opening in the new location on Dee. 1 of last year, it’s almost impossible to miss. The stark white three-story house stands out among its gray. glassy neighbors in downtown Jacksonville, beckoning visitors with the promise of old-timey sweets and atmosphere, Finding itis ike stumbling upon a gingerbread house inthe woods, fee of| evil witches but every bit as magical. Ifthe name sounds falar, that’s because it s:"Sweet Pete" is the same Pete Behringer of Peterbrookes Chocolatier. He and his wife Allison decided {in 2010 that while chocolate was grea, candy was thelr real passion. It was ‘then that they decided to open Sweet Petes in a small, two-story house in Springtield. “they were operating out of a house kitchen’ said Tammy Clark, retail manager at Sweet Pete, “but they were having the time oftheir ives” “For four years they had that location and built a wonderful rapport in Springfield” “Then, it was time to grow. The Sweet Petes team partnered with Marcus Lemonis, star of "the Profit” a CNBC reality show about saving small businesses.> 2 iLemonis goes to small businesses and decides either to help one if its struggling or to partner with a business model he deems to be potentially successful “He chose the later with us” said Clark. "He's now partner! He helped immensely in Swveet Pete's growth and in opening their new location, according to Cla. “Its kind of our Cinderela story said Clark Ittookabout $9 months afrenovation and alot of keeping up with demandafter opening but Beringher — Swoot Pete himself — says the community has ‘made it happen, “Wsbeena lot work and alot of partsand pieces that had to be put together to make this” Behringer said, But its been amazingly well-received. I's really transformed this little comer ofthe city” ‘And it no wonder why — the 22000-square- foot space is brimming with confections of both the handmade and pre-packaged variety. One flor is a ‘wall-to-wall git shop ful of bath bombs, costume Jewelry stationeryand ok-fashioned sweets. Another Foor houses an expansive event room adorned with clegant chandeliers and dark, hardwood floors. The entire building is a labyrinth of colorful surprises, complete with adessert bara game parlorand a full: service restaurant, Candy Apple Cafe and Cocktail, ‘thas been insane” Clatk said, “Ever since we started we have not stopped” “It has exceeded expectations and were doing everythlng we ean to keep up with i (Ponte Vedra?) (Ponte Vedra?) Reger Not your average newspaper, not your «erage reader COVERING THE BEST CITY IN FLORIDA Less than 68¢ Per week® |g One-Year Subscription $35 (16-Month Subscription $20 We'll bill you later! Name Address City State Zip Email For fastest service, call 904.686.3936 : ee ihe ‘ siceler ote