The Sweet Spot--Greene's Fine Foods

If you've never been to Downtown Decatur, Georgia before, it's well worth any amount of distance you have to drive to get there. Charm, personality, family-friendly activities abound here. It's so cute--the Hollywood folk even come out here often to shoot movies. One of my favorite places in the city is Greene's Fine Foods, a gourmet candy shop right near the square. We were part of an event there in the spring, and I wanted to do a profile on them because they are great people with a really great store. Here's my interview with co-owner Harvin Greene.

How many licks would it take to get to the center of THAT lollipop?!?!

1. You've got a really unique store with AMAZING goodies. What got you into the candy biz?

My husband’s family has been in the candy and nut business for the last 25 years in Augusta, GA. Their business has evolved over the years into a seasonal, corporate gift company specializing in Georgia Pecans. We knew there was opportunity here to expand on that business and make it bigger. We had been searching for the right space for several years and when we found the old Post Office, we all knew it was just perfect!

2. I love your space and your decorating style--particularly the fun couches you've got in the area by your fireplace. What inspires you?

Thank you. FUN is truly my inspiration. How many times do you get to design a candy store, especially one in such a stoic and formal building?! I wanted people to gasp when they walk in as it is not at all what they expected. Over the top was the only way to go and it all just works…from the stark white walls and the huge green stripes everywhere, it just makes you feel good… kinda like candy!

3. Any interesting stories behind the pieces in your store? That fire engine is certainly unique!

We purchased the fire engine from a company that restores kiddy rides, we wanted something vintage and fun for the kids. The paintings in the kid’s room are all by my Mother, they were her kind and generous contribution to the store. We also have a huge (like 500 pounds huge), amazing piece of marble that was taken off the building during the renovation that we are hoping to have created into a table for the store at some point. We also were able to salvage the “Greene’s” sign from the original Greene’s Fine Foods which was an institution in Augusta for 30+ years. It was a famous seafood restaurant owned by my husband’s grandparents. The sign is old and rusted and gorgeous, we are planning to hang it on the front of the building soon.

4. You host a lot of kids' parties. What makes those so fun?

The birthday parties have been a hit! We were not planning to start having them so early on but the demand was just too high. We can cater to all ages and do fun things like let the kids make chocolate lollipops and candy necklaces. We are always willing to work with the parents to incorporate a theme and make it special for each child. We also do a lot of tours for schools, Girl Scouts and Boy Scout groups. For those children we try to incorporate a message about owning a business, being a partner in the community and the historic significance of the building.

5. It's Saturday--what are you and your kids up to?

Well, having your parents own a candy store is pretty cool thing for a Kindergartener and my older daughter just loves being there. In fact, we keep her apron hanging in the fudge area so she can help out while she is in the store. We usually stop in to check on things and be sure that the store is ready for all the events of the day. After that, if I do not get sucked into the store for too long, we usually go out to lunch in Decatur. After that I run shuttles to various birthday parties and playdates…same thing as every other mom!

6. I grew up on Snickers and M&M's, but now I'm kind of a chocolate snob. You're an expert--what makes great candy so great?

I think the difference is everything we have is fresh; we melt our own chocolates and dip everything by hand. The things we don’t make in store have been very carefully chosen. Like the Pralines we sell, they are made by a little lady named Nana with an original family recipe, by hand. We get a lot of requests for sugar free chocolates. We have tasted hundreds of different ones and none of them taste good, we would rather not sell it unless we think it is the best! We are still on the lookout but to us quality is our number one priority!

7. People who live and work in Decatur are fiercely loyal to it. What do you like best about it?

Decatur has been amazing! We are so pleased with our choice of location. While we still have lots of new people coming in the store everyday we have our “regulars” that we adore and are so grateful for. The first day we opened we had 500 people in the store which speaks volumes about the support of the community. We hope we can continue to have the love and loyalty of the people of Decatur for many years to come!

Swing by Greene's for a good time, just be prepared to deal with the sugar rush when your kids get their hands on the delicious candy! They have great gifts for Father's Day, as well as book signings and other events coming up. Tell 'em SweetSnaps sent ya!

Lindsay