BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — A local store is continuing to bring sweets to Bakersfield with their unique and nostalgic treats all while opening during the pandemic.
RocketFizzis a locally owned candy store that opened during the pandemic, but despite the challenges, they are still finding ways to offer a nostalgic experience.
"You can find candy here from the 1920s and there is candy in here that you can no longer find," said Enrique Ruiz, co-owner.
Old school posters, endless soda pop, and more than 2,000 different flavors of candy are just a few of the wonders you can find in the locally owned RocketFizz candy and Pop Shop in Southwest Bakersfield. The shop has been here for just six months and found themselves opening during the least ideal time.
"When the pandemic hit we were in the constructive phase all positive thoughts moving forward and it was just a must for us to open but overall it's been a positive experience and humbling," said Ruiz.
Co-owner Enrique Ruiz owns the shop with his wife and says they haven't closed their doors during the pandemic but have made COVID-19 modifications for customers such as requiring masks, social distancing, and limiting customers inside the store, but that concern of closing lingers in the back of his mind.
Ruiz added, "I think overall we have to be concerned and follow the guidelines but overall we want to keep the safety for our customers and ourselves at heart. Again I can't say that we are an essential place of business but we will definitely try to be safe."
Customers can expect to find treats from around the world and Ruiz says thankfully they have seen a steady stream of customers, like first-time visitor Jerry Redfern.
"It's actually pretty cool because, man I feel like as I am getting older all I do is just work and we can't really have fun and you can now come here and it's a great experience and usually you have to go to LA for it but now it's here in Bakersfield," said Redfern.
The shop says every few weeks customers can find new treats and says although they have been open for a short time it's been rewarding.
Ruiz adds, "Just having to deal with candy is not a job and my work schedule consists of constantly looking at different types of candy, trying out different types of soda and candy."
