Hello, Sweetz: The Candy Shop Bringing Nostalgia to Downtown

Life's better when your neighborhood is the destination.

Our Central Perks program connects residents to the small businesses that make Downtown New Port Richey worth exploring.

Some businesses fit so naturally into a downtown that it's hard to imagine the street without them. Hello Sweetz, the candy shop that's become the newest name in the Central Perks lineup, is shaping up to be one of those.


There's something almost defiant about owning a candy shop in 2026. In an era of subscription boxes and same day delivery, a shop built around browsing shelves of nostalgic sweets, picking out a few favorites, and walking out with a small paper bag feels like an act of resistance against convenience culture, in the best possible way.


That's part of what makes it fit so well downtown. New Port Richey's Main Street isn't trying to be a mall. It's a collection of small, specific businesses that reward slowing down and looking closely, and Hello Sweets slots right into that rhythm.


For residents of The Central, it's a short walk from home to a shop that turns grabbing something sweet into an actual outing instead of a delivery order. It's the kind of stop that works for an evening walk, a bike ride downtown, or a golf cart trip with nowhere in particular to be.


As a Central Perks partner, Hello Sweetz also represents what the program is meant to do: connect residents to the small businesses that make downtown worth walking through, not just living near. It's less about a discount and more about giving residents a reason to know their neighborhood by name.


If downtown living means having local favorites instead of chain defaults, Hello Sweetz is shaping up to be one of the easy ones to love!

New Paragraph

The Central on Orange Lake Apartments is proud to be an Equal Housing Opportunity community. We are committed to providing housing opportunities free from discrimination and to treating all applicants and residents fairly and consistently.

Equal Housing Opportunity
Your perfect weekend in downtown NPR
August 7, 2026
What's happening in downtown New Port Richey this month?
Richey Suncoast Theatre is Downtown New Port Richey's 100 year old arts and cultural hub
By Lia Gallegos August 1, 2026
Downtown New Port Richey's August lineup: live music at Cavalaire Square, Restaurant Week, theatre tribute shows, and Fourth Friday. See the full August calendar.
A View from Orange Lake
By Lia Gallegos July 25, 2026
Why are more renters choosing walkable downtown apartments over suburban options?
By Lia Gallegos July 11, 2026
How is downtown New Port Richey growing, and is it staying true to its character?
By Lia Gallegos July 4, 2026
What does a typical day look like living downtown in New Port Richey?
New Port Richey Patriotic Ride & Roll Golf Cart Parade
June 28, 2026
Explore July events in Downtown New Port Richey, from golf cart fun and live theatre to markets, local shops, and waterfront community events.
Barista Morgan serves up a bit of sunshine with your cappuccino at Mountaineer Coffee
June 26, 2026
Discover why Mountaineer Coffee has become a downtown favorite and how local businesses help shape the connected lifestyle at The Central on Orange Lake.
Families enjoying the new activities scheduled at Railroad Square in downtown New Port Richey
June 22, 2026
From waterfront sunsets to local restaurants and community events, discover what makes Downtown New Port Richey a unique place to call home.
June 5, 2026
Summer is here, and Downtown New Port Richey is packed with reasons to get out, explore, and enjoy everything happening right outside your door. From live music and community celebrations to wellness events and local markets, June is shaping up to be another great month to experience the energy, connection, and small-town charm that make downtown so special. Welcome, Grove & Sage Eco Market We're excited to welcome Grove & Sage Eco Market to downtown New Port Richey. The new business, created by our Central Perks! partner Gone Juicing , officially opened its doors on June 2 just a few blocks from their original location. The new neighborhood market focuses on intentional living, everyday essentials, and thoughtfully selected goods—all just a short walk from The Central. Residents can look forward to exclusive Central Perks! specials from Grove & Sage in the near future so look for those details as soon as they're available. Supporting local businesses is one of the best parts of downtown living, and we're thrilled to see another locally owned business join the neighborhood. Opening Weekend: Sweeney Todd at Richey Suncoast Theatre One of downtown's most beloved cultural destinations kicks off June with the opening weekend of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Richey Suncoast Theatre . This classic musical thriller brings drama, humor, and unforgettable performances to the stage, showcasing the incredible talent of the local volunteer actors, musicians, and production teams who make community theatre such a special part of New Port Richey. Performance Schedule 7:00 PM Shows: June 5, 6, 12*, and 13 2:00 PM Shows: June 7, 13, and 14 *June 12 features an ASL-interpreted performance. Location: 6237 Grand Boulevard, New Port Richey June Events Around Downtown June is filled with opportunities to connect with friends, enjoy live entertainment, and experience everything Downtown NPR has to offer. Click here for the event flyer with all the details! This month's featured events include: Motion on the Square A fun and energetic way to stay active while enjoying the downtown atmosphere. Free Concert in the Park Enjoy an evening of live music under the stars in beautiful Sims Park. Free Summer Concert Series Bring a chair, gather with friends, and enjoy another season of live music in the heart of downtown. Thrive on the Square Wellness-focused programming designed to encourage movement, mindfulness, and community connection. Sunshine Sessions Relax, recharge, and enjoy a laid-back summer vibe in one of downtown's newest gathering spaces. Summer in the City Shopping, local vendors, and community fun come together for a celebration of summer in Downtown New Port Richey. Boots on the Ground Juneteenth Celebration A community event honoring culture, history, and unity through music, entertainment, and celebration at Richey Suncoast Theatre . Hometown Extravaganza Weekend Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a full weekend of family-friendly fun in Downtown New Port Richey. The expanded two-day event includes live music, food vendors, activities for all ages, and a fireworks finale over Orange Lake on Saturday evening. Sunday's festivities continue with a patriotic paddle, downtown brunch opportunities, and a performance by the Richey Concert Band. It's one of the community's biggest summer traditions and a great opportunity to experience the energy and hometown spirit that make Downtown NPR special. Get the full schedule and details here! e Downtown Favorites Return All Month Long Don't forget about the recurring events that keep downtown active throughout the month: Tasty Tuesdays Community Market Fourth Friday Block Party Walk & Talk Club Wright's Outdoor Market Ongoing events and performances at Richey Suncoast Theatre In addition to all that fun, our downtown businesses have a host of events and activities happening all month long too! You can find them all listed here on FACEBOOK or, check out What's What New Port Richey for events and local news. Live Close to the Action One of the best parts of life at The Central on Orange Lake is having a vibrant downtown community right outside your door. Whether you're catching a show at the theatre, supporting a new local business, enjoying live music in the park, or meeting friends at one of downtown's many restaurants, there's always something happening just a short walk away. Visit our availability page or call 727.478.0770 to schedule a tour and discover what life at The Central could look like.
March 23, 2026
Spring Things to Do in Downtown New Port Richey