'Sweet' opening for new business

PORT CLINTON — Dignitaries and local officials gathered on June 18 to celebrate the grand opening of Port Clinton Candy Co. A ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred at the store's location, on East Second Street in downtown Port Clinton. Among those in attendance included the shop's co-owners Lisa and Joe Kuzma. The store — which will specialize in selling vintage candy and specialty pops — did debut for a soft opening, dating back to late May. Going forward, the store will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Prior to operating a storefront, the Kuzmas set up around town, selling some of their more popular products, such as chocolate-shaped walleye. "I am excited to provide (the area) with a sweet spot to find treats from when you were a child, new confections, hard-to-find sodas as well as some crazy flavors — and, of course, our chocolate walleye," Lisa said. The Kuzmas moved to Port Clinton a few years ago after visiting the city as tourists throughout the years. Lisa described owning the business in Port Clinton as "a dream." "The idea to open a candy store in Port Clinton started long before moving, feeling that this is something the downtown area was missing," Lisa said. "Less than two years after our official move, the dream has become a reality."