Village Candy opens pop-up shop in Tull Family Theater
One former Sewickley business has teamed up with a Sewickley nonprofit for some sweet touches.
Village Candy, which closed its Beaver Street storefront last fall, currently has a pop-up shop inside the Tull Family Theater – with all of the proceeds going to the nonprofit.
It’s a win-win for both entities.
While a selection of Village Candy confections has been available at Tull’s concession stand, the pop-up shop expands the offerings. Clark Bars, Jelly Belly jelly beans, Atomic Fireballs, Zagnuts and even mystery bags are available inside the colorful indoor tent.
The hope is that sales will fill in some of the revenue gap left by covid-19 ticket sale losses.
“We are piloting additional activities, some to bolster revenue and others to expand the Theater’s scope of service in the region,” said Carolina Pais-Barreto Thor, executive director of The Tull Family Theater, in a news release. “Working with established and new partners will be a constant in 2021, and this pop-up with Village Candy is only the beginning.”
Those seeking a taste of nostalgia will definitely want to head to the pop-up, as Village Candy’s selections aren’t available online.
“Operating Village Candy was fun and rewarding, but it was time for my family to focus on new endeavors,” said former owner Carmela DiAndreth. “Covid certainly accelerated our plans to close the store, but the idea was already in motion.”
DiAndreth said that the shop gifted the candy and equipment to the theater.
“We knew the shop was very dear to the community and thought the nonprofit Theater could benefit from carrying on the tradition,” she said.
Thor is grateful for the partnership.
“This was a tremendously thoughtful and generous gift. It adds many new options to the theater’s concessions in a time when revenue is so low due to the 10% occupancy limit,” she said. “We can’t think of a sweeter way to support the arts!”
Karen Ferrick-Roman, director of communications and education for the theater, said that the shop has brought excitement to theater visitors of all ages.
While the pop-up is open seven days a week, its hours mirror those of Tull Family Theater, so visit thetullfamilytheater.org or call 412-671-1456 before visiting.
An end date for the pop-up hasn’t been decided.
Katie Green is a TribLive deputy managing editor, overseeing features as well as the Trib's weekly and monthly community newspapers and websites. A former magazine editor, she's serious about coffee, is a proponent of the Oxford comma and enjoys tracing her family tree when she has the time. She can be reached at kgreen@triblive.com.
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