Mainstreet Parker is Stepping Stone’s go-to place for unique shopping and dining venues—of which the community boasts many. Those with a sweet tooth or simply a taste for nostalgia will want to peruse the colorful, tempting displays at Rocket Fizz Candy and Soda.
Open since last November, the shop evokes the soda and candy shops of yesteryear, boasting a cornucopia of sugary treats. As in hundreds of kinds of soda and thousands of kinds of candy. There is also a multitude of retro and gag gifts, concert and movie posters, and tin signs. Remember giant Pixy Stix—those long, plastic delivery systems of eye-crossing tartness? Got ‘em. MagnaBuzz, Cap Rockets, Snap Gum, Squirt Rings, Squirt Cameras, Plastic Bubbles, and Chinese Yoyos? Yep, they have those too.
Another category that’s fun to explore is candy from other countries. Like Japanese Pocky (chocolate-coated biscuit sticks) and chewy ginger candy. Or soft Australian licorice, German milk chocolate, and favorites from the UK like Aero bars and Jammie Dodger cookies. These treats can be gathered into unique gift baskets for special occasions, such as grownup birthday parties (a sweet trip down memory lane) or kid occasions, of course. One mom surprised her child with a basket of candy, toys, and gag gifts after a school play, instead of the traditional flower bouquet. Probably inspired a bit of envy—and hopefully sharing.
And who knew there were so many kinds of sodas? The shop carries hundreds, ranging from Bavarian Nutmeg Root Beer to bacon—yes, bacon-flavored soda. (Aficionados will also be pleased to know about the bacon-flavored cotton candy.)
Cutting-edge flavors can also be found in the ever-popular Harry Potter-inspired jellybeans, Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, from tame Marshmallow to disturbing Earwax. These “gems” can also be enjoyed in the newest version of the top-selling Jelly Belly BeanBoozled game, where fate deals you the hand of either nibbling on Coconut or Spoiled Milk, Chocolate Pudding or Canned Dog Food.
The store is locally and independently owned, but among dozens nationwide started by two candy and soda lovers in California in 2007.
Be sure to check out Rocket Fizz’s Facebook page to see what’s new and when they’re having specials. Rocket Fizz is located next to Nomelie’s Cupcakes —another place totally worth the calories—at 19751 E. Mainstreet at Parker Station.
