CHESAPEAKE CITY — Chesapeake Candy Works brought sweetness to Chesapeake City in May, and business has been booming ever since. The owners, Mine and Ray Petkevis, met in Istanbul, Turkey, and decided to bring a taste of home back with them to the states.
They were inspired by a candy store in Taksim, Turkey and modeled their store after this cultural hub with artisan sweets.
“We’re just absolutely head over heels in love with the town and just so grateful to be accepted by the local community on all levels,” said Ray.
The Petkevis’s took their time traveling around the globe to hand pick the perfect flavors to bring to Chesapeake City. They tasted every sweet treat before choosing it for their store. Chesapeake Candy Works offers a little bit of everything from luxury chocolates, gourmet candy, specialty nuts, frozen yogurt, to the classic blow pops. They also sell traditional Turkish coffee, and Mine can read your fortune out of the leftover coffee grounds, a practice embedded in her culture.
The store, located at 109 Bohemia Avenue, is situated in an old stone building that has been serving the community for over 120 years. It began life as a bank, then became the town hall, which transformed into a stained glass and jewelry store and now it has evolved into a candy store. The old bank lobby is filled with barrels of sweet treats, with a windy staircase beckoning patrons upstairs, where Candyworks offers private parties for birthdays, bridal showers and more.
The Petkevis’s say that they are responsive to requests for these events and eager to host their community in fun, memorable gatherings.
Ray Petkevis is originally from Middletown, Del., but moved across the border to Chesapeake City 12 years ago and has since fallen in love with the town.
But, he said that opening this candy shop has increased that feeling tenfold.
“We are grateful for the welcoming and the open arms welcome that we’ve received from Chesapeake City, both from the tourists, Town Council, Mayor and the business community,” Ray said.
They already have daily customers coming back for more, and Mine Petkevis knows their orders by heart.
“Mine has almost become like the chocolate bartender, when people come in they don’t even have to say anything,” Ray said. “She knows exactly what they want. They come in everyday and get their daily treat.”
Jonny Towers, a friend of the Petkevis’ and owner of the local facebook group Bohemia River Boaters with a little over 24,000 followers, helped get the word out when the store first opened. Thanks to him, almost every boat in town has a Chesapeake Candy Works canister that they can refill anytime they’re craving a sugar high.
“We tried both his top shelf and just regular candy and everything’s been really good,” Towers said.
Randy Reed, owner of the nearby 410-Seafood, is another loyal customer who respects and upholds the high quality of Chesapeake City business himself.
“The building alone brings you into the store, the customer service when you’re there, keeps you coming back. And then the quality of chocolate just goes without saying. I’m a big almond chocolate guy. That’s my new crack,” Reed said.
Whether you want to try a new candy or want your fortune told, Chesapeake Chocolate Works has a lot to offer.
They are typically open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but stay open later on busier days. In their private event sector, they are planning a paint and sip, cigar rolling in the courtyard, and a girls night out later this summer.
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