Raffy's Candy Store: 5 Things To Know About New Frankfort Shop

FRANKFORT, IL — The village lost a little less sugary goodness when Kernel Sweetooth's location at the Trolley Barn closed late last year. But a new business with a few similarities to the former candy and ice cream shop has recently opened to fill that hole in Frankfort's downtown.

New Lenox's Raffy's Candy Store, which is owned by Dave and Pam Rafalski, opened a second location in Frankfort last week. And the new shop at 21 White St., is next door to Kernel Sweetooth's former spot.

Patch talked to Dave Rafalski about his expansion east, and he gave us five things Frankfort residents should know about the new store.

1. Why Frankfort?

"The opportunity to come to Frankfort has been requested by many customers over the past few years but didn’t come to fruition until a few members of the [Frankfort Chamber of Commerce], as well as one of the owners of the Trolley Barn … visited our New Lenox location and had a vision that the Raffy’s product, style and passion for customer satisfaction would be a wonderful addition, as well as a complement to the downtown Frankfort community," Rafalski said. "It took much thought and contemplation, as we wanted to make sure that by opening another location, we wouldn’t take away from the hard work and love we put into our New Lenox shop. There has to be balance and with the blessings we’ve been given along with a tremendous crew of employees, we felt we could make two locations work.

RELATED: Kernel Sweetooth To Close Next Week

"To be honest, we really couldn’t have made this possible without the good graces of the God and the patronage of our New Lenox customers that come from all over the southwest suburbs, as well as the support provided by the villages, chambers and mayors of New Lenox and now Frankfort," he added.

2. What Does the New Store Offer?

A wide selection of candy, including Albanese Gummy Bears and premium chocolate, is available at the Frankfort location, Rafalski said. Nostalgic candy, popcorn and nuts also will be available.

Like Kernel Sweetooth before it, Raffy's will serve hard-packed ice cream at its store. The cold treat is provided by Plush Horse in Palos Park.

"For us, it’s all about the experience and reasonable pricing," Rafalski said.

3. Any Differences Between the New Lenox and Frankfort Shops?

"Other than the layout, our goal was to keep the shops similar but possibly offer exclusive items for each location," Rafalski said. "For example, New Lenox now offers a premium soft-serve ice cream to complement our premium hard-packed ice cream, where Frankfort will only offer the premium hard-packed. Also, there may happen to be certain ice cream flavors and candy choices exclusive for each location. Expect the same, great customer service from both locations."

4. What Should Frankfort Customers Know About the Shop?

Rafalski takes pride in offering his customers more than simply a place to pick up a sugar fix. He strives to make each visit something special for his patrons.

"Raffy’s main focus is on providing the customer with an experience that takes them back to when they were growing up or present the opportunity for those memories to the younger generations," the shop owner said. "[The] goal is for every customer to leave with a smile."

5. When Is It Open?

The summer hours for Raffy's Candy is from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Raffy's Candy Store's new location in Frankfort. (Photo via Dave Rafalski)