Most apartment communities can point you toward the nearest candy aisle. At The Central on Orange Lake, the candy shop is just across Grand Boulevard. Hello, Sweetz sits at 6335 Grand Boulevard in the heart of Downtown New Port Richey, and it is one of The Central’s Central Perks Partners as well as a VIP Perks partner of Richey Suncoast Theatre.
Walk in and the first thing that hits you is the color: rows of taffy in every shade, jars of licorice from around the world, and shelves that look like they were stocked from somebody’s childhood memory. The shop describes itself as “a bit of a vintage aesthetic mixed with a modern feel,” and that is exactly right.
Meet Cathy Paul
Behind the counter is owner Cathy Paul. Find her in front of the shop’s hand-painted “Licorice from Around the World” mural, a pink shelf of licorice jars at her feet and a gift bag of sweets ready to go. That wall says everything about Hello, Sweetz: candy you cannot find just anywhere, picked out by someone who wants you to leave with something you have never tried.
From the Sponge Docks to Grand Boulevard
Hello, Sweetz made its name on the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, where it still welcomes visitors at 834 Dodecanese Boulevard. Its Downtown shop brought the same idea to Grand Boulevard in Downtown New Port Richey: a candy store built for wandering, where kids and grown-ups end up equally lost in the shelves. As the shop puts it, “Kids and adults are attracted to the sweet and whimsical atmosphere.”
Hello, Sweetz at a Glance
- Owner: Cathy Paul
- Where: 6335 Grand Boulevard, Downtown New Port Richey, just across Grand Boulevard from The Central on Orange Lake
- Sister shop: 834 Dodecanese Boulevard, the Sponge Docks, Tarpon Springs
- Known for: International licorice, creamy saltwater taffy, chocolates, gummies and cordials
- Sugar-free: A dedicated section with chocolates, cordials and licorice
- Hours: Open late in the week and on weekends; check hellosweetz.com for current hours
- Central Perks Partner: Yes
- Richey Suncoast Theatre VIP Perks partner: Yes
A Licorice Lover’s Passport
Licorice is where Hello, Sweetz really shows off. There are classic Allsorts, Australian strawberry twists, and for the adventurous, salty black licorice from Holland, the kind of candy that turns a quick stop into a dare between friends. The taffy case runs from fruity to creamy, banana split included. And for anyone who needs “a little less sugar in their life,” as the shop says, there is a full sugar-free section, so nobody has to sit out the fun.
The Downtown District’s own directory from New Port Richey Main Street sums it up well: “Hello, Sweetz is a whimsical candy store that can take you on a walk down memory lane.”
The Sweetest Way to Start a Show Night
Hello, Sweetz is also a VIP Perks partner of Richey Suncoast Theatre, the historic theatre just up Grand Boulevard. Theatre members show their membership card at participating partners for a pre-show perk, which makes a bag of taffy for the second act an easy decision. For residents of The Central, dinner, candy and a show can all happen without moving the car.
Why Hello, Sweetz Is a Central Perks Partner
Central Perks is The Central on Orange Lake’s partner program with local Downtown businesses, giving residents exclusive discounts at Downtown favorites. Hello, Sweetz belongs on that list because it is the kind of place a neighborhood is lucky to have: small, a little nostalgic, and close enough that an after-dinner walk can end with a paper bag of something sweet.
Hello, Sweetz: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hello, Sweetz in New Port Richey?
6335 Grand Boulevard in Downtown New Port Richey, just across Grand Boulevard from The Central on Orange Lake.
Who owns Hello, Sweetz?
Cathy Paul owns Hello, Sweetz.
Does Hello, Sweetz have another location?
Yes. Its sister shop is on the Sponge Docks at 834 Dodecanese Boulevard in Tarpon Springs.
What kind of candy does Hello, Sweetz sell?
International licorice, saltwater taffy, chocolates, gummies and cordials, plus a sugar-free section.
Is Hello, Sweetz a Richey Suncoast Theatre VIP Perks partner?
Yes. Richey Suncoast Theatre members can show their membership card for a pre-show perk.
Is Hello, Sweetz a Central Perks Partner?
Yes. Residents of The Central on Orange Lake get Central Perks discounts at participating Downtown businesses, and Hello, Sweetz is one of them.
Life at The Central
When the candy shop is across the street, a sweet tooth is never more than a short stroll away. Take a look at our community amenities, check floor plans and availability, or schedule a tour. You can also call or text 727.478.0770 to learn more about life here.
