Since we first opened our doors in 1998, Sweet Thrills has been a Roncesvalles community gathering place for children and their families. Our family-owned and operated business is an area landmark and a strong supporter of school and local community events.
On December 18, 2010, long-time Sweet Thrills owner Ok-nam Yang passed away suddenly. While his family and friends were shocked and saddened, they wouldn’t let the popular Roncesvalles Avenue candy store close over the crucial holiday season.
“It’s what he would have wanted,” explains Ok-nam’s brother-in-law, Michael Kang, from behind the colourful counter he has helmed since taking over three months later in March of 2011. “By the night of the 19th, we had over 10 families who had volunteered to run the store for us,” he recalls. “So they asked us for the key and basically ran the place all through Christmas.”
How does Michael explain the outpouring of community support? “I think the reaction came because of the person who ran the store,” Michaelhe says. “Everybody knew him, they called him the ‘Candy Man.’ All my nieces and nephews went to Howard Public School across the street, so the family was a big part of the community.”
For almost 20 years Sweet Thrills has been serving candy to the masses all from this little shop on Roncesvalles. Recently under new ownership, the candy store is still selling popular sweets and chocolates to the neighbourhood. You can expect candy from the U.K. and personalized gift baskets.