Sep 10, 2014 By Abby Wernert chief Photographer 3 min read

A new shop that recently opened in town has been getting attention from townspeople and students alike.

5 Kidz Kandy, owned by Kristy Vliet and Pansy McConnell, opened in July. A large chalkboard menu stretches across the back wall behind the counter with a list of products ranging from at least a dozen flavors of ice cream to blended frappes and frozen hot chocolate.

“It gives them a variety of specialty chocolates, popcorn and the coffee and the ice cream. I don’t think there’s a store here within walking distance from the college,” said Karen Reed from West Greene. Reed, a friend of the owners, has been helping in the shop while the owners are currently out of town at a candy convention.

“I’ve just been helping out for seven days but it’s been fun,” said Reed. “It’s been interesting meeting the different types of people; the college people, the business people and just the townspeople.”

While 5 Kidz Kandy has only been open for a short amount of time, the shop has already made itself known within the community because of its participation in events such as Rain Day and the upcoming 50’s Fest as well as donating items such as Chinese auction baskets.

However, the store has also become popular with university students because it provides a good environment for students to come and sit down at.

“As for students, the 10 percent discount doesn’t hurt, but it’s a nice place in town to hang out. It’s nice to have a place right on the main street where we can go to get good and cheap food,” said junior psychology major Rachel Hamilla.

For other students though, the shop brings a sense of nostalgia to mind.

“It brought me back to my childhood; it made me feel like I was a kid again,” said junior computer security and forensics major Dawson Laabs. “It made it easy to relax and it was nice to get away for a little bit.”

Older students at Waynesburg may remember the Waynesburg Press, the coffee shop located right next to the Fashion Shop on West High Street.

The shop was a favorite of many students on campus but closed down nearly two years ago.

Fortunately, some of the students who used to frequent the Waynesburg Press are happy they now have a new place to visit, even if the feeling is not quite the same as before.

“I really liked the Waynesburg Press; it made me feel sophisticated,” said junior environmental science major Tori Whitty.

Whitty said that, in comparison, 5 Kidz Kandy has a more youthful atmosphere that she appreciates and enjoys spending time in.

Students interested in visiting 5 Kidz Kandy can find the shop at 78 E. High Street.