By Nora Ramirez
San Jose’s famous chocolates have returned to shelves after months of being unattainable to the public.
Schurra’s Fine Confections candy store opened its doors in 1912, until owner Brian Mundy closed the store on The Alameda in April after more than a century of being open.
Now at Willow Glen Sweet Shoppe on Lincoln Avenue, Schurra’s candies
are available for purchase during the holiday season.
“It’s an honor to have this brand. It’s a San Jose tradition, it has been for quite a while,” retailer of Willow Glen Sweet Shoppe Matthew Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez and Mundy got in touch after running into each other in their neighborhood.
According to Rodriguez, his store had been selling the popular candy for about nine months. At Willow Glen Sweet Shoppe, a special Schurra’s sign hangs on the outside wall to advertise the legendary candy. “The turnout has been fantastic, it’s been great,” Rodriguez said.
The truffles, the turtles and the caramel squares are the most popular items at the candy store.
Willow Glen resident, Eugene Casanova, 78, said he is a loyal customer of Schurra’s. He heard about the candies being sold again and immediately went to the store to buy his favorite, chocolate-covered apricots and chocolate turtles.
“They’re low in sugar, but high in taste,” Casanova said, as he shared that Schurra’s candies are good for anyone’s health.
Casanova said he was happy that his favorite candies were back on sale, especially at a local store he frequently visits.
“Come to Willow Glen, this is now the home of Schurra’s candy,” he said.
Rodriguez said that his store has a happy and fun environment that makes them different than other jobs.
“Everybody that comes up to the counter is happy, it’s a great place to sit, eat your Schurra’s . . . it’s an enjoyable place,” Rodriguez said.
Samantha Vaiasicca has been working for the candy shop for more than four years and said she enjoys the work environment.
“I really like the customers. I mean, who’s not happy when they walk into a candy store?” she asked laughing. “It’s really friendly, everybody in Willow Glen is really nice,” Vaiasicca added.
Vaiasicca has seen the store progress throughout the years that she has been working there. She said that Mundy has expanded the store’s inventory and made more products available to the public.
The store offers Sicilian cookies made in Gilroy, more flavors to their gelato menu and offers and more poke candy.
Vaiasicca said that Schurra’s candy is a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation.
“Why not keep it on to sell and to make people happy?” she added.
Rodriguez said that there will be special candy made for the holidays. Though the details have not been announced. Rodriguez said that “Santa candies” are on the list of special confections.
