New owners bring fresh energy to Old Mill District candy shop

By: KM Collins

Give your taste buds what they want at Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe, which provides succulent snacks and a confectionery smorgasbord for patrons who’ve burned innumerable calories walking, paddling, biking and shopping in the Old Mill District.

Earlier this year Alan Radoulovitch and his wife, Melissa Mills, stepped into ownership of Sweet Tooth and promise to add to the store’s already popular candy offerings. Both come to the Old Mill District with extensive experience in finance.

“If there is a candy product you are looking for, come ask!” Radoulovitch says.

Radoulovitch and Mills have modernized the checkout process to a 3-second transaction and added a screen showing colorful candy images. In the store nearly every day, Radoulovitch hopes locals and visitors will stop in, say “hi”, and check out the new offerings being rolled out.

Among the store’s most popular items are Harry Potter themed originals like chocolate wands and frogs, jelly slugs and Butterscotch Beer (non-alcoholic). For a twist on ice cream, try Dippin’ Dots. Want a truly authentic cultural candy experience? Check out Sweet Tooth’s Asian section, including ramune soda and various flavors of Hi-Chew. Sweet Tooth’s eclectic drinks section also includes Red Bull and a stellar selection of craft soda’s from Jones Soda Co.

Just as fun as the bins and bins of candy in Sweet Tooth are the shop’s uber-cuddly plush toys, including the irresistible Ty Beanie Boos.

With his store located in the heart of the Old Mill District, just across from Anthony’s, Radoulovitch says he will be staying open late on the busiest nights to serve families taking in the sights and sounds along the Deschutes River.

“If spring break or the Avengers opening is any indication of how many folks will come by this summer, I am excited to see what the next few months will bring,” says Radoulovitch, whose shop has donated more than $500 in gift cards for local fundraisers and silent auctions at Central Oregon schools.

Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.