Stepping into an old-fashioned candy shop was like entering a world of pure, sugary magic. The scent of caramel and chocolate hung in the air, mixing with the sharp tang of peppermint sticks and the warm, buttery aroma of fresh taffy. Rows of glass jars lined the wooden shelves, brimming with colorful gumdrops, lemon drops, and striped candy canes, each promising a taste of nostalgia. Behind the counter, a friendly shopkeeper, often clad in a crisp apron, would scoop out candy with a metal scoop, wrapping it in crinkly paper with a knowing smile. In a time before mass-produced sweets filled supermarket aisles, these charming little stores were a treasure trove of childhood delight and a place where a handful of coins could buy a pocketful of happiness.
That sense of fond reminiscence is exactly what Adel Alsuradi has brought back to his candy store, American Munchies Company, located at 10729 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Chicago Ridge.
“I feel in the present time, people are craving something a little nostalgic,” said Alsuradi, of Evergreen Park. “That’s what I wanted to bring back—a walk back in the past to a simpler time. That feeling of joy and seeing the customers’ smiles.”
Alsuradi and his wife, Emily, opened the old-fashioned candy shop on Sept. 21, coincidentally the same day as their son Rami’s third birthday. The date also holds special significance for Alsuradi, as it marks the anniversary of his father Rizik’s burial in 2021.
“The store is a tribute to my father,” Alsuradi said, tears in his eyes. “He always dreamed of opening his own candy shop. I did this for him.”
The shop, framed with Route 66 décor, is also a nod to Rizik, who had a deep appreciation for the historic highway and the stories it holds.
Route 66 décor captures the spirit of America’s most iconic highway, evoking a sense of adventure, freedom and classic Americana. Decorated with vintage road signs, old gas pumps and retro diner memorabilia, the shop transports visitors back to a time when road trips were the ultimate adventure. That is exactly the experience American Munchies Company aims to provide.
Inside, bold red, white and blue hues dominate the color palette, accented by chrome finishes and lights reminiscent of roadside motels and classic diners. Framed maps, postcards and photographs of historic landmarks along the Mother Road add a nostalgic touch, while retro car models complete the look.
American Munchies Company’s Route 66 theme invites visitors to relive the golden era of cross-country travel, but the real attraction is the candy, particularly the freeze-dried sweets which are Alsuradi’s pride and joy.
“I started off with freeze-dried candy, and immediately, it got a lot of interest,” he said. “I realized there was a big market for it.”
Some of the freeze-dried favorites include Jolly Ranchers, Oreos, Starbursts and Coca-Cola.
The candy is made just as it sounds—in a freeze-dryer, with all the water removed, creating a crunchy, flavorful treat. Soon, customers may see new freeze-dried options, including Skittles and pickle-flavored varieties.
“The creation process is my favorite part, and each freeze-dried candy comes out tasting completely different,” Alsuradi said. “It’s a whole new vibe, and the flavor options are limitless.”
It’s no surprise that Alsuradi holds a deep passion for culinary creations. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu’s cooking school and a former executive chef for The Primal Cut, Rosebud and Carmine’s, his heart resides in the kitchen.
Deciding to open in Chicago Ridge was an easy decision for Alsuradi.
“We don’t have many playgrounds near me, so I would always be in the Chicago Ridge area visiting the parks with my kids,” he said. “I love the neighborhood’s friendly feel. It’s a great community and very kid-driven. I want to have the local old-fashioned candy shop where kids can ride their bikes after school.”
Hopes for the future include an outdoor bike rack, completing Alsuradi’s vision, along with outdoor benches. And coming in the warmer months, ice cream, adding to the shop’s old-time walk down memory lane.
American Munchies Company is open Tuesday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., inviting customers to step back in time and indulge in a sweet taste of nostalgia.
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