Retro candy shop to open in York with $5 candy buffet, shakes & more

Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is bringing retro candy, fun soda and international treats to downtown York’s Continental Square.

Inspired by musical fantasy “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” Grandpa Joe’s founder and CEO Christopher Beers opened his first candy shop in downtown Canonsburg, right outside Pittsburgh. Now, he’s bringing his 21st location to Central Pa.

Beers said he has been following the growth and resurgence of downtown York for years and is excited to be part of the community.

“We’re proud to bring Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop to York,” Beers said. “This is our first location in Central Pennsylvania, and we’re honored to be part of such a vibrant and growing downtown. York has a strong sense of history and community.”

The 3,815-square-foot shop will be filled with over 2,500 types of candy, sodas and international snacks, as well as trending toys, more than 350 varieties of old-fashioned glass-bottled soda − including quirky flavors such as Pickle Cotton Candy and Ketchup Soda − plus hand-scooped ice cream and milkshakes.

Guests can load up treats at Grandpa Joe’s “world-famous” $5 candy buffet, where you can fill a tin with as much candy as you can for just $5, as long as the lid closes.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop to Downtown York. Their incredible variety of candy, nostalgictreats, and ice cream will add even more sweetness to Continental Square,” said Dylan Bauer, President of Royal Square Development.

Grandpa Joe’s Candy shop will be located at 2 S. George St., York and once opened, it will operate seven days a week. For more information on its opening day, check Grandpa Joe’s Facebook page.