New, "healthy", & unique sweets shop just opened....

[fsu813]

Jacksonville Business Journal - July 23, 2010

New venture for former Peterbrooke exec

Peter Behringer is a big kid in a candy store — literally.

The former president of Peterbrooke Chocolatier has gotten back in the confectioners business with the opening of his own candy retail business called Sweet Pete’s in a 100-year-old whimsically decorated Victorian style home at 1922 Pearl St. in historic Springfield.

“I’m extremely excited to be doing something new,” said Behringer, 37.

Behringer’s mother, Phyllis Lockwood opened her first Peterbrooke store in San Marco in 1983 and the company flourished, evolving into a chain. Behinger and his younger sister Brooke, who are the namesakes of the company, and Behringer’s wife Allison all worked for the company. But soon after Peterbrooke became large enough to start franchising, Berhinger said the family realized that operating a franchise business wasn’t their expertise. They sold a portion of the business in October 2009 to Kelly Harris, who also operates the Times Grill group of restaurants.

There are now 25 Peterbrooke locations in three states, and while the family still owns a 40 percent share in the company, Phyllis has since retired and Brooke acquired the Atlantic Beach Peterbrooke location.

Berhinger decided to take all the ideas he had collected over the years and start a new business.
Sweet Pete’s isn’t his mother’s confectionery shop. The sweets are all natural with no artificial flavorings or colorings or high-fructose corn syrup, and include a line of organic, vegan and gluten-free items. It also includes much more than chocolate.

There’s homemade cotton candy in a range of 18 flavors that include chai tea and cheesecake, homemade lollipops, homemade taffy, an array of candies and ice cream.

But so far the sea salt caramels seem to be Sweet Pete’s signature item, Behinger said, much like chocolate covered popcorn is to PeterBrooke.


Read more at: New venture for former Peterbrooke exec - Jacksonville Business Journal

[fsu813]

but wait, there's more.....

Former Peterbrooke exec starts own candy store in Springfield


Confectioner makes all-natural candies in renovated house.


Peter Behringer is already part of the most famous name in Jacksonville chocolate. When his mother, Phyllis Geiger, started Peterbrooke Chocolatier 27 years ago, she named it after her two children: Peter and Brooke Behringer.

Now he’s added his name to a candy store of his own. Sweet Pete’s opened three weeks ago on Pearl Street, a part of Springfield that hasn’t seen a lot of renovation yet. But the three-story building stands out, painted brightly white with yellow, red and blue trim.

Peter Behringer makes about 70 percent of the candy in the small kitchen in the back of the old house, while his wife, Allison, runs the counter. It’s all natural, they said. No artificial colors or flavors. So there’s vegan chocolate, organic, gluten-free jelly beans and organic cotton candy in 20 flavors.

Peter Behringer grew up in Peterbrooke. He started waiting on customers and putting tissue in bags when he was 12. He came back after college and moved from store manager to plant manager to executive vice president to president.

But the company was also changing. In addition to its corporate-owned stores, it added franchises and quickly grew from eight stores to close to 30. Allison Behringer was director of franchise relations.

Last year, Geiger sold off her own stores, and they all operate now as franchises. Peter Behringer still owns 20 percent of the company, but isn’t involved in the day-to-day operations.

So he was looking for something else.



(Full story here)
Former Peterbrooke exec starts own candy store in Springfield | jacksonville.com

[mawipafl]

FYI to all - it's Grand Opening Weekend. Kicks off tonight (Thurs. 8/5) with the Chocolate Martini Party (Adult Wine and Chocolate Pairing) from 5:30-9. On Saturday (8/7) it's Willy Wonka Party (fun for the whole family) from 10 am - 2 pm.

PS The sea salt caramels are fantastic -- they were passing out samples last night at the Old Library during Art Walk.

[fsquid]

Was planning on driving into town for RAM and kickback's. might skip RAM and do this sucker instead.

[fsu813]

to the adult theme tonight or the kiddies on Saturday??

more news! this is slike 5 blocks away from me so illdefeientely be there with my hubby!

Springfield candy store Sweet Pete's celebrates grand opening tonight

Springfield candy and ice cream shop Sweet Pete's celebrates it's grand opening tonight with a Chocolate Martini Party.
The store, located in a century-old Victorian home, is the creation of Peter Behringer, a man who knows a thing or two about candy. After all, his name — Peter — is part of the namesake of Peterbrooke Chocolatier founded by his mother, Phyllis Geiger, in 1983. (Brooke is his sister.)
Inside Behringer's store, you'll find hand-pulled taffies, hard candies, caramels, homemade marshmallows, lollipops and more in addition to chocolates.
The store bills itself as an "all natural candy shoppe," offering gluten-free, vegan and organic sweets, including 18 flavors of organic cotton candy and vegan sundaes.
More: Read business reporter Roger Bull's story on Behringer and Sweet Pete's
Tonight's event features a cocktail candy bar as well as a wine and chocolate pairing, beginning at 5 p.m.
Grand opening festivities continue Saturday with a Willy Wonka Kids Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Look for hands-on chocolate demonstrations, face painting, Golden Ticket giveaways and a visit by Willy Wonka himself.
Both events are free. Sweet Pete's is located 1922 Pearl St.

[AliciaMaria]

Wow, this is awesome!!! Thanks for posting!

[mawipafl]

It had to be an exhausting yet exhilarating night for Sweet Pete et al -- the place was packed, and by the end of the evening there many candy jars empty or near empty with so many folks (myself included) going out the door with a bag of sweets. Willy Wonka as the doorman was a great touch.

[fsquid]

I took my family there on Saturday. It was packed which is good for them, but for those of us trying to see everything, not so great. The candy is pricy, but very good stuff. I wouldn't drive there just for that one store, but when we are in the area, I'm sure we will stop by for a treat.

i'm assuming this is not a part of the Springfield that FSU posts about. Seems like that street hasn't really been touched except for 2-3 homes from 8th to 10th.

[fsu813]

North of 8th isn't as restored, generally speaking, but of course there many pockets of exception.

(ie, Silver, Laura, E. 9th b/t Hubbard & Liberty, Market, Cottage, b/t Perry & Pearl, etc)

In that small section there, Pearl b/t 8th & 10th, there are 3 obviously nicely restored houses, a bunch that look just OK (not horriblely boarded up, but obviously not well maintaned) 2 OK businesses, 2 nice businesses, and 1 large unkept commerial building. I don't think there are any boarded up/falling down houses there, but I could be wrong.