Viral Candy Shop Comes to Chicago

- The founder, Elly Ross, is a Korean immigrant who transitioned from a career in product management at major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft. She applied her "customer-first" mindset from the tech world to create a "magical, memorable experience" for candy shoppers. - The Chicago store, located at 807 W Randolph Street in the Fulton Market district, marks the brand's first foray into the Midwest. Its other locations are concentrated on the East Coast, including shops in Boston, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and multiple storefronts in New York City. - The shop's viral success was driven by TikTok, where Ross documented the entire journey of opening her first store in New York's West Village. This strategy of transparently sharing the ups and downs of launching a business helped build a loyal community of "candy connoisseurs" before the doors even opened. - The store's concept is built around a highly curated and constantly rotating selection of high-end, globally-sourced candies. Shoppers can find unique items such as piña colada wedges from Spain, caramel custards from France, gummy shapes from the Czech Republic, and soft licorice from Australia. - The name "Lil Sweet Treat" comes directly from the founder's personal habit of saying, "I need a little sweet treat at the end of the meal, I don't feel like the meal is complete with out." - The grand opening in Chicago on Saturday, February 21, will feature free gift bags for the first 100 customers, along with samples and photo opportunities throughout the day.