by Devna Bose
Photo courtesy Devna Bose
In the Cohen Brothers building in downtown Jackson, everything from sour gummy worms to jelly beans to chocolate-covered treats line wooden shelves at Sugar Ray's Sweet Shop (224 W. Capitol St.).
Since the shop's opening in February 2017, many have visited Sugar Ray's to sample the sweet treats. The all-white boutique interior of the building contrasts starkly with the rainbow of candies on every surface of the shop, creating a colorful, nostalgic effect.
The company behind the business, J&J Hospitality (the owners wish not to be named), says the idea was to create a business that appealed to all demographics while also promoting happiness.
They were inspired to create Sugar Ray's to bring something new and exciting to downtown Jackson, especially with recent revitalization on Capitol Street. Social Media Manager Elizabeth Augustine said the idea for the shop came together very quickly.
"It just kind of took off. It's their first business venture, and I think the owners wanted to bring something really neat downtown," Augustine says. "They had this idea and put it together, not knowing it was going to be this popular."
She thinks that part of the shop's draw is the building's original features, like the tile and wood floors.
"We kept those to give it some character, and everyone loves that," she says. "I think our specialty items set us apart as well, like confetti pops and truffles and cocktail mixes and candy apples. We have everything from margarita malt balls to sweet tea lollipops."
Sugar Ray's also offers delivery and does special orders for customers and businesses. One of its newest services is a candy-refill station for businesses.
"You can buy a candy jar for your office, and we'll fill it with candy, which adds a nice touch to any office," she says.
"When the candy runs out, we can refill it for a lower price."
Augustine says the owners created the business, in part, to help create excitement in downtown Jackson.
"It's important to have something like this here because it's fun, and people don't come downtown as often as they should," Augustine says. "Bringing a shop like Sugar Ray's downtown will make people gravitate towards this area and make more people want to open business down this street."
Augustine has high hopes for downtown Jackson and believes Sugar Ray's is a beneficial addition to the revitalization.
"I feel like if we have more local business on West Capitol (Street) and in the area, it will help revamp the downtown scene and make it somewhere people will want to visit more often," she said. "I think slowly but surely it is growing into something great."
As for the future of Sugar Ray's and the rest of the building, which J&J Hospitality also owns, Augustine hints that they have big plans.
"We're going to start doing events each month, like Champagne tastings, in Sugar Ray's," Augustine says.
"But this is just a portion of the building. Keep an eye out to see what we do with the rest of it."
For more information, find the business on Facebook.
The company behind the business, J&J Hospitality (the owners wish not to be named), says the idea was to create a business that appealed to all demographics while also promoting happiness.
They were inspired to create Sugar Ray's to bring something new and exciting to downtown Jackson, especially with recent revitalization on Capitol Street. Social Media Manager Elizabeth Augustine said the idea for the shop came together very quickly.
"It just kind of took off. It's their first business venture, and I think the owners wanted to bring something really neat downtown," Augustine says. "They had this idea and put it together, not knowing it was going to be this popular."
She thinks that part of the shop's draw is the building's original features, like the tile and wood floors.
"We kept those to give it some character, and everyone loves that," she says. "I think our specialty items set us apart as well, like confetti pops and truffles and cocktail mixes and candy apples. We have everything from margarita malt balls to sweet tea lollipops."
Sugar Ray's also offers delivery and does special orders for customers and businesses. One of its newest services is a candy-refill station for businesses.
"You can buy a candy jar for your office, and we'll fill it with candy, which adds a nice touch to any office," she says.
"When the candy runs out, we can refill it for a lower price."
Augustine says the owners created the business, in part, to help create excitement in downtown Jackson.
"It's important to have something like this here because it's fun, and people don't come downtown as often as they should," Augustine says. "Bringing a shop like Sugar Ray's downtown will make people gravitate towards this area and make more people want to open business down this street."
Augustine has high hopes for downtown Jackson and believes Sugar Ray's is a beneficial addition to the revitalization.
"I feel like if we have more local business on West Capitol (Street) and in the area, it will help revamp the downtown scene and make it somewhere people will want to visit more often," she said. "I think slowly but surely it is growing into something great."
As for the future of Sugar Ray's and the rest of the building, which J&J Hospitality also owns, Augustine hints that they have big plans.
"We're going to start doing events each month, like Champagne tastings, in Sugar Ray's," Augustine says.
"But this is just a portion of the building. Keep an eye out to see what we do with the rest of it."
For more information, find the business on Facebook.
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