Caruso’s to extend hours for Easter weekend
Published 8:29 am Friday, April 18, 2014
The candy store offers Easter chocolates in various sizes, forms and prices. Caruso’s employees have been creating the holiday themed candy creations for more than 90 years. (Submitted photos)
Locals looking to give their loved ones a special treat in their Easter baskets this weekend — or who are just looking to satisfy their own chocolate fix — will have a little extra time to do so in the coming days.
Caruso’s Candy & Soda Shop, located in downtown Dowagiac, is extending its hours this weekend, closing at 6 p.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday. The extension is intended to allow more time for their customers interested in purchasing sweets for Easter to do so.
The biggest draw, as always, are the chocolate bunnies, a decadent product that store has produced, by hand for 92 years, said owner Julie Johnson.
“We’ve been making them for the last three weeks,” said employee Sandy Bruens. “We just can’t keep them in stock.”
The store offers chocolate bunnies and other animals in a variety of sizes and forms, including lambs and chickens. Prices range from 75 cents to $25 for their largest chocolate creations, which weigh in a 2.5 pounds. These giant-sized bunnies have seen a spike in popularity this year, with five already ordered and a sixth on the way, Johnson said.
In addition, the store also offers jellybean filled coconut nests, cream filled chocolate eggs and other Easter candy staples. They also offer to fill Easter baskets for customers, who can purchase one from the store or bring their own, Johnson said.
Business has been strong over the past few weeks since the business began offering their Easter selection, Johnson said. Easter and Valentine’s Day are traditionally some of the busiest times at the store, with customers packing the business in the days leading up to the holidays.
“Things are going good. It’s keeping us busy,” she said. “It’s always a struggle for us to keep up on candy holidays.”
While customers are free to walk in and make a purchase from the selection inside the display case, many choose to place special orders for pickup, Johnson said.
“Most of our customers have been customers for years and generations, so they know it’s the best way to place orders,” she said.
For additional information, contact the store at (269) 782-6001.
