By Gwen Hughes
Special to The Citizen

It seems that Fun Dip is making quite a comeback.

So are Skybars, Chuckles, Abba-Zaba bars, and Atomic Fireballs. These, along with rows of other nostalgic treats, can be found in Suzie-Q’s Sweet Shop located on the Square in Fayetteville.

The candy store, which opened a month ago, is dedicated to reviving the “Mom and Pop” stores of old. Owner and mother of four Suzanne Hatlee, affectionately called “Suzie Q” since she was young, claims that happy childhood memories in a local candy store in Fayetteville, where Hatlee has lived for almost 30 years, inspired her to open her own store.

“I wanted to do something to make people happy,” Hatlee said. “I wanted a place for families to enjoy and for kids to be kids; somewhere that was positive, with no stress and no worries.”

And in that goal Hatlee has largely succeeded. The building is nestled within the cozy old courthouse square, immersing the store in the old charm of Fayetteville.

The decor carries the easy-going theme well, greeting visitors with darkly stained hardwood floors and bubble gum pink walls edged with black trim, chalkboard paint, and curlicue stencils proclaiming words like “licorice!” and “chocolate!”

A pair of tables sit near the entrance inviting shoppers to relax, and a custom-painted novelty trash can proudly sits in one corner, bearing the store’s logo.

Even the music reflects the communal atmosphere with songs from Disney movies and ‘70s sitcoms constantly playing.

And then, of course, there is the candy.

Suzie-Q’s boasts a selection of everything from homemade fudge to exotic truffles to modern staples such as Snickers and Popsicles. Hatlee also orders hard-to-find candies upon request, going so far as to order candies from Belgium for one customer.

But the store’s claim to fame deals with rare, forgotten candies from “yesteryear.”

According to Hatlee, “Candy brings back memories from childhood. [It’s fun] to see people walk in and reminisce. I love it when people say things like, ‘My grandfather always ate this,’ or ‘My sister and I loved these as kids.’” Besides candy, the shop offers balloons, pinatas, and custom made “candy bouquets” which are shipped nation wide.

Hatlee is thrilled with her business, and her family is thrilled for her.

“My kids and husband have been so supportive throughout this; I’m truly blessed. [My husband] Herb likes to say that this store is ‘where happy happens.’”

Hatlee hopes that Suzie-Q’s Sweet Shop, with its charming and universal appeal, will become a local hangout for teens and families alike.

She expects to expand with a soft-serve ice cream counter, making the store a malt shop as well as a candy boutique. Hatlee, however, is content with the store so far, saying that “candy is a fun business to be in.”

For more information on Suzie Q’s Sweet Shop phone 770-461-5070 or visit www.suzieqssweetshop.com.