Sweet P’s owners Orson Fournillier and Yaw Asare talk about their business

How long have you been in business?
Gold Coast Candy was founded in 2019 with a focus on bringing high-quality, handcrafted confections to market. In May 2023, we expanded
by acquiring Sweet P’s Pantry from
its founder, Sharon Pavich, blending
its award-winning chocolates and toffees with our signature brittles. Today, we continue to build on both brand’s legacies, offering exceptional sweets that celebrate craftsmanship and tradition.
How did you get started?
Gold Coast Candy was born out of a love for traditional flavors and high-quality confections. Sharay’s Ghana Style Brittle began in 2019 when Yaw Asare recreated a peanut brittle recipe from his childhood in Ghana. Meanwhile Sweet P’s Pantry has been perfecting handcrafted toffee, chocolates and caramels since 2013. In 2024, we brought both brands under one roof to offer a diverse range of treats, emphasizing premium quality and thoughtful gifting.
What changes have you seen over the years?
We’ve seen a growing appreciation for high-quality, small-batch confections and a shift toward meaningful gifting. Our business has expanded from a local operation to being available in over 40 retail locations across Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois. In addition to our store, we serve corporate clients and online customers, ensuring that more people can experience our award-winning confections.
What do you most love about your industry?
Candy is more than just a treat—it’s a way to bring joy. Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a personal indulgence, we love knowing that our products help create special moments. The creativity of our industry also excites us—blending flavors, refining recipes, and finding new ways to delight our customers keeps us inspired.
What are some of the common myths
you come across in your business?
One common myth is that brittle has to be rock-hard and sticky. Our Ghana Style Brittle is soft and easy to eat, made with a simple, clean recipe that highlights the natural flavors of caramelized nuts. Another misconception is that candy is just an impulse buy—our customers know that a well-chosen confection can be the perfect gift for any occasion.
What message would you most like
to share with people?
We are a gifting company that makes candy. Whether you’re treating yourself, celebrating someone you love, or showing appreciation to a colleague, we help you “Gift the Sweet Moments.”
What would you like people
to know about your business?
Our confections are handcrafted with care, and we take great pride in offering award-winning sweets. Our products are available in-store, online, and through corporate gifting programs, making it easy to find the perfect treat for any occasion.

What is the biggest compliment customers give you?
Our customers often tell us how much they appreciate the service they receive at our store. We take pride in ensuring that every visitor leaves satisfied, whether they’ve found the perfect gift or discovered a new personal favorite. Creating a welcoming, enjoyable shopping experience is just as important to us as making great candy.
What are you most proud of?
We’re incredibly proud of our eight Wisconsin State Fair-winning confections, earned between 2016 and 2024:
Toffees: Cashew Almond,
Ruby Cherry Almond
Nut Brittles: Peanut, Pistachio
Candied Pecans: Rosemary Salt & Pepper, Margarita, Spiced Orange n Caramels: Door County Cherry Caramel
These awards recognize our commitment to quality and flavor, and we’re honored to share these exceptional treats with our customers.
How many employees/family members work with you?
We have a dedicated team of employees who help make and package our confections, provide excellent customer service, and support our growing retail and corporate business. Our team is comprised of long time employee with over 5 years tenure to recent additions over the last year. As a small, but growing company, we’re all deeply involved in every aspect of what we do.
What are you most grateful for?
We’re grateful for our incredible customers who continue to support and believe in what we do. We also appreciate our hardworking team and the family and friends who have encouraged us along the way.
To whom or what can you credit your success?
Too many people to mention! Our success is a testament to the dedication of our team, the support of our families, and the loyalty of our customers. Without them, none of this would be possible.
Sweet P’s Pantry
169 East Wisconsin Ave.
Oconomowoc, WI ~ 262-408-9831 Open 10 to 5:30, Monday thru Friday & 10 to 2 on Saturdays.
www.sweetpspantry.com
www.facebook.com/SweetPsPantry


This article is from the Wisconsin Country Life Spring 2025 Issue


