Though February is supposed to be a time for all-things sweet, one of the most popular candy stores in NYC delivered some sour news. Raul Candy Store, located in the East Village, is set to close up shop on Feb 28 after 45 years of business, according to CBS.
If you're looking to indulge in treats while marathoning your favorite Valentine's Day movies for kids, now's the time to make a pit stop. Although we're not one to resist browsing through containers of gummy worms, peppermint, lollipops and chocolate, it's the personalities behind the store that makes its closure so emotional. Owner Raul Santiago—who came to NYC from Puerto Rico—and his wife Petra Oliviery fostered a small community within their shop, perhaps why generations continue to frequent the business. (Rumor has it that some celebrities such as Rosario Dawson are allegedly fighting to keep the locale open.)
The small Avenue B staple is a tribute to old-school NYC and the mom-and-pop establishments that provide neighborhoods with flavor. But in a city where things change in a New York minute, keeping up is not without its challenges. Similarly, the 36-year-old St. Marks Comics is bidding New Yorkers adieu at the end of the month.
It's not easy saying goodbye to places in the city that provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, so make sure to visit these independent businesses before the end of the month. If you visit Raul's on Feb 28, its final day, note that all candy will be free (a small consolation).
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