Small Town Sugar carries nostalgic candy that can no longer be found at many candy shops.[/caption]
After 10 years in the fashion industry and seven years operating the Rhinestone Cowgirl boutique in downtown Montgomery, Tiffany Lockhart decided it was time for change.
In August, Lockhart shut down her clothing store with plans of opening something completely different—homemade sweet shop Small Town Sugar. The store opened Sept. 19 and is stocked with sweets made by Montgomery restaurant The Yellow House Cafe as well as a variety of gift items and a party room.
“[The change] has involved a lot of prayer,” Lockhart said. “I had gotten to a point with my boutique that it wasn’t fun for me anymore; it wasn’t fulfilling. I think through the process of my kids getting older and throwing parties for them and friends and family asking me to help with weddings and parties, that [line of business] became really intriguing to me.”
The sweet shop hearkens back to a time when local soda shops were community gathering spots—where malt shakes are served alongside bottled sodas, ice cream sundaes, banana splits and Blue Bell ice cream. The store also features unusual sweets, such as apple nachos and doughnuts with ice cream in the middle.
“I love the feeling I get when I walk into an old-fashioned soda shop or candy shop,” Lockhart said. “It takes me back to being with my grandparents. When I’m in those places I kind of forget the stress of the day, and I just want to really give that to other people.”
Cynthia Peirce, owner of The Yellow House Cafe, previously worked as a store manager at Rhinestone Cowgirl and will provide all of the catering services at Small Town Sugar.
“We will have things like candied bacon, chocolate chip cookies, Reese’s brownies and cake balls,” Peirce said. “Next month [we] will have a whole new menu. We want to keep people coming back in.”
The retro-chic decor inside the party room is optimal for a variety of events, such as bridal showers and first birthday parties, Lockhart said. The room itself can accommodate about 20 to 25 individuals, but tables and chairs can be added throughout the store—adding about 16 extra seats.
Peirce said she is confident residents will enjoy the new shop because it has Lockhart’s stamp on it.
“What’s unique about our shop is Tiffany is involved in it,” she said. “Everything she touches is unique. She has such a vision for what she wants and how she wants things to look. A lot of people know this about her and are excited for what she’s bringing into town. It’s going to be fun.”
