AndiMac's Candy Shack sweetens downtown Mansfield

By Will Busby

Mansfield Record

If you're looking for feelings of nostalgia or childhood dreams, you can find a sweet treat in downtown Mansfield at AndiMac Candy Shack.

Founded in 2018 by Andrea McMillin, the Candy Shack has been helping folks from all over find the sweet side of life and satisfy their cravings for retro candy. Around town she’s known as  “AndiMac,” a nickname she received from her best friend, who is also named Andrea.

McMillin says she started the store after retiring from her accounting job. The idea of the candy store stemmed from childhood.

"I've always wanted to own a candy store," McMillin said. "(When I was a kid), my grandfather would take us to candy stores and let us go crazy."

McMillin says she talked to her husband in 2018 on the Friday before Spring Break, and by the end of the following week, she had her store and business set to go.

"I took a leap of faith," she said.

The store opened in May 2018.

When you enter the store, you are instantly reminded of a small town general, with bins of taffy and popcorn bags, retro gumball machines and candies from around the world.

The global pandemic in 2020 was a hit to small businesses. McMillin had to become creative to keep the sweet store alive.

"We took our store online," she said. "Locals could order their favorites, and we could safely deliver their order to their cars. If it hadn't been for our customers, we wouldn't have made it. We are grateful for them."

Not only will you discover hard-to-find candy, but you can also have bouquets and gift baskets handmade for special occasions.

Son Brandon McMillin, 22, came to work at the Candy Shack in 2020.

"I've met people I didn't know, who have become my best friends," said Brandon McMillin. "People put so much thought into what they are looking for. We will track down anything just to make sure they are happy."

Brandon McMillin said that he can remember every customer who enters the door.

Andrea McMillin wants everyone to feel welcomed and at home when they enter AndiMac Candy Shack.

"I would like them to know that I appreciate them coming in,” she said. “We are not a chain but a family-owned establishment. I like to make them happy."

From Reggie Bars to Dublin Sodas, a visit will surely leave you with memories of years past and feelings of sweet contentment. The Candy Shack is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at 119 N. Main St. For more information, go to https://andimaccandyshack.com.

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