Sweet Pete's Candy: Jacksonville's Sweetest Spot Ranks in Top 10 Nationally!

400 N. Hogan St., Jacksonville, Florida, USA - In a delightful turn of events for the candy lovers in Jacksonville, Sweet Pete’s has once again sweetened its reputation. This beloved confectionery has recently snagged the No. 8 spot in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers‘ Choice Awards for the best candy stores across the country. It’s no small feat, considering the competition, but Sweet Pete’s is a well-deserved contender that has charmed both locals and visitors alike.

Located in the iconic Seminole Club building, Sweet Pete’s offers more than just a taste of sugar. The shop is a veritable candy wonderland featuring over a thousand different types of sweets, including classic favorites like Airheads, Skittles, and Fun Dip, alongside hand-crafted chocolates and artisanal caramels. Founded in 2010 by „Sweet Pete“ Behringer, the store has become a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s culinary scene, even after moving downtown to 400 N. Hogan St. in 2014, thanks to an investment from Marcus Lemonis on CNBC’s „The Profit“ reports Jacksonville.com.

A Sweet Legacy

Sweet Pete’s isn’t just any candy shop; it embodies a sweet legacy. Pete Behringer is the son of Phyllis Geiger, who founded the renowned Peterbooke Chocolatier. This rich heritage has undoubtedly influenced the quality and creativity of the offerings at Sweet Pete’s. Last year, the candy shop had the honor of ranking No. 3 in the same USA TODAY awards. It’s impressive how they have maintained this standing amidst an ever-growing list of competitors all vying for sugary supremacy.

In addition to its impressive candy selections, Sweet Pete’s houses Fizzies & Fare, a restaurant that opened in 2021. Here, patrons can enjoy a scrumptious array of items, from burgers and sandwiches to ice cream and candy cocktails. It’s truly a must-visit for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while enjoying a meal says the USA TODAY 10Best.

Joining the Ranks of the Best

Sweet Pete’s is the only candy shop from Florida and the Southeast to make the prestigious list. This acknowledgment highlights not just the quality of the candies but also the charm and ambiance of the store, set within one of the historic buildings in Northeast Florida notes Marcus Lemonis. Their transformation from a small local shop to a national contender illustrates the significant impact of entrepreneurial spirit and community support.

The USA TODAY ranking included a variety of candy-centric competitors from across the nation. The shops are as diverse as their sweet offerings, and this year’s list featured the likes of Schimpff’s Confectionery from Indiana, Bright’s Candies from Washington, and Marini’s Candies from California. Such a mix of quaint and established shops serves as a reminder of the rich candy culture in America.

• Schimpff’s Confectionery (Jeffersonville, Indiana)
• Bright’s Candies (Walla Walla, Washington)
• Marini’s Candies (Santa Cruz, California)
• Lammes Candies (Texas)
• Squishington’s Candy (Lawrence, Kansas)
• Big Top Candy Shop (Austin, Texas)
• The Farris Wheel Candy Co. (Wichita, Kansas)
• Skip’s Candy Corner (Lahaska, Pennsylvania)
• Henry’s Candy Co. (Hamilton, Ohio)

For Pete Behringer and his team, this recognition is a testament to their hard work and passion. As they prepare to welcome even more visitors eager for a taste of their sugary delights, one thing is clear: Sweet Pete’s continues to thrive as a favorite stop in Jacksonville for anyone with a sweet tooth.