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A candy store is a happy place. It reminds you of your childhood, it allows you to try delicious chocolates or gummies, and the idea that we can have anything we want. We feel special, vintage, young.
This past week, I decided to step into my local candy shop to get all of those feelings you expect for a vibrant Candy Shop. Located on Main Street of Rexburg, ID lies my new favorite candy store of all time! “Runnin 4 Sweets” is a small Candy Store in Southeastern Idaho. There is only one location, so it truly is a hidden gem.
I was taken back with all the unique items they had to offer. Purchases from Tabasco chocolate to Asian sodas and so much in between! The shop is filled with candy you have never seen, and the walls are painted with bright vibrant colors to draw you in. But what I loved most about being there was the service I received.
GET TO KNOW THE OWNERS & CREATORS
I had the opportunity to sit down and interview with one of the owners of this unique store. Mike & Patti Lehman are the founders, owners, and operators of Runnin 4 Sweets and have been for the past 11 years.
Mike and Patti Lehman grew up and met in Wyoming. They have five children and have lived in Rexburg for the past 25 years. Mike explained that he has seen a big change in the community over those 25 years as the small transformed into a much bigger space. Originally, Mike worked at BYU-I as the Dean of Students but quit to pursue his own business with his wife Patti.
THE IDEA BEHIND THE NAME
Mike and Patti both have a sweet tooth and know that in order to keep being able to eat sugar, they need to exercise. Hence the name, Runnin 4 Sweets. They literally run so that they can indulge in the cravings they love. Sounds like my kind of life.
THE ORIGIN OF THE IDEA
Mike explained that he and Patti both love to travel and have experienced many different places around the U.S. including Thailand, Ecuador, Korea, Canada, South Africa, and so much more. They love the culture and unique tastes of each country. They also realized that BYU-I brings in many individuals from different countries into the city of Rexburg, ID. They thought it would be a great place to start a Candy Shop. But not just any candy shop, a diversely unique store inhabiting treats from all over the world!
WHAT MAKES RUNNIN 4 SWEETS SO UNIQUE
Where to even begin? If you are looking for a Hershey’s bar or a Snicker, you better go hit up Walmart because Runnin 4 Sweets won’t hold anything mainstream.
They have a section full of Hispanic, Asian, European, and even South African treats. I was able to try a few things myself including Marabou chocolate bar, De La Rosa Marzipan peanut candy, and even a Ramune Soft Drink imported from Asia. All of which I loved by the way.
I took a look around and found items like Jello Monster Slime, cinnamon flavored Hotlix toothpicks, Caramel KitKats, Froot Loops Cereal Straws, Dr. Pepper flavored Jelly Belly, Hot Salted Sriracha Chocolate, Cornflake Ritter Sport chocolate bar, a Twinkie scented candle, and the list goes on and on and on! Mike and Patti get all of their items from different importers from different countries to ensure authenticity.
items from my haul
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Mike explained that he loves having customers come in and light up when they find something from their home country or an item they loved from traveling. Mike and Patti ensure that their customers have the best experience at their sweet candy shop and make an effort to write down customer recommendations and try their best to get them to the store.
They love all their customers and have so many loyal ones of which they remember by name.
MIKE’S RECOMMENDATIONS TO TRY
Mike gets asked often what one should give a try. His go to include: a Kinder Bueno bar, Chocolate Cinnamon Bears, and Peach Penguins. For drinks & sodas he recommends Hank's Root Beer or Cheer Wine.
The next time I go back I have a list of what to try thanks to Mike.
CONCLUSION
I loved my experience at Runnin 4 Sweets and enjoyed not only the unique items and environment, but also the kind customer service. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know Mike and Patti Lehman as they are truly wonderful people.
If you are looking to widen your taste pallet and try something new but delicious, head to Runnin 4 Sweets. I promise you won’t regret it!
Make sure to check out my Instagram page to see me and my brother review our haul for there!
SHOP INFORMATION & CONTACT
Store Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00am-8:00pm
Phone: (208)359-2534
Email: Patti@runnin4sweets.com
Address: 58 East Main Street, Rexburg, ID 83440