he Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting for Downtown Candy & Soda Shoppe, 112 W. Market St., Warsaw, Friday. Pictured are Downtown Candy owners Ernie and Sheila Strickland, Manager Jaiden Mesmith, Chamber staff and ambassadors and other community members. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union.

By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

WARSAW — Downtown Candy & Soda Shoppe, 112 W. Market St., Warsaw, celebrated its opening day Friday, Sept. 20, with a ribbon-cutting with the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.

Sheila Strickland, who owns the store with husband Ernie, said they moved into the Market Street location in June. She said it was the perfect location. With what the community has done in the last couple of years for downtown Warsaw, it made the Stricklands want to be part of it.

“We have done a complete renovation of the building because it was a photography studio and we had to convert it to the ice cream shop and candy store,” she said.

Strickland said it’s always been a dream of hers to own a candy store. Her son, Jaiden, when he got older, shared the same dream and now “we’re able to live this dream out.” Jaiden will manage the candy store’s daily operations.
Downtown Candy & Soda Shoppe sells over 150 types of candy, mocktails and 12 flavors of ice cream. They are also the only establishment in Kosciusko County that offers a collection of Blondie’s cookies.

Strickland said they are one of the few establishments that stay open during the evening and to her knowledge, they are the only ones to offer 12 flavors of ice cream.

“I think that’s huge,” she said. It will allow people of varying ages to enjoy themselves at the store.

“We’re hoping we’re going to be a long-lasting establishment here in Warsaw and grow with the town and community,” she said.

Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.