Courtesy of True Fit Marketing Destination Candy features local goodies like the Toffee House and Popcorn Willy.
Destination Candy: Washington’s newest go-to sweet spot By Kristin Emery
Courtesy of Destination Candy 26 • Southwestern PA Business Journal • September 29, 2023
Downtown Washington just got a lot sweeter! Aug. 13 marked the grand opening of Destination Candy, which features confections, sweet treats and local goodies from businesses all around Washington County. Eighty Four native Chris Adkins is the creative force behind Destination Candy along with his partner, Phil Agostinelli of Houston. Adkins’ property management career is in Los Angeles, but his vision to create a retail business focusing on hyper-local products was always destined for downtown Washington. “I am always on the prowl for different opportunities, and I’m really huge into community,” Adkins says. “I was speaking to different people around town and was fortunate to get connected with Shana Brown, the Washington Business District Authority’s Main Street manager.” They put their heads together and devised a plan to create a candy store featuring delicious sweets plus local Washington area products. “Many of the products you are going to see on the shelves are actually local, made in Washington or made in a surrounding county or area.” Of course, that starts with delicious baked goods from L.A. Sweets next door, which is owned and operated by Chris’ mom, Linda. “I bought that property about a decade ago,” says Adkins. “We subdivided the space from Main Street. On the left is the bakery, and on the right is the candy shop. We’re neighbors. She’s our biggest vendor! You’re absolutely going to see L.A. sweets all over our shelves. They’re going to be one of our headliners!”
