Family-Owned Candy Store Brings Nostalgic Sweets to Northern Minnesota

Sweetly Kismet Candy Store offers over 1,200 varieties of quirky and traditional treats in Carlton, Minnesota.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Parrott family quit their jobs, bought land, and built Sweetly Kismet Candy Store in Carlton, Minnesota about 10 years ago. Despite opening just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the store has flourished, now offering over 1,200 different types of candy and sweets, including nostalgic favorites like Bubble Up soda and the Root Beer Lady's famous concoction. The family-owned business has become a destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide selection of both traditional and unique confections.

Why it matters

In an era of corporate consolidation in the retail sector, Sweetly Kismet Candy Store represents the resilience and creativity of family-owned small businesses. The store's commitment to offering nostalgic and quirky sweets has helped it build a loyal following in northern Minnesota, showcasing how independent shops can thrive by tapping into local tastes and community values.

The details

About a decade ago, the Parrott family - Ashley, John, and their two children - decided to quit their jobs and pursue their dream of opening a candy store. With no prior retail experience, they bought land in Carlton, Minnesota and built Sweetly Kismet Candy Store. The store opened just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but the family persevered and has since grown the business to offer over 1,200 different types of candy and sweets. In addition to traditional confections, Sweetly Kismet sells nostalgic favorites like Bubble Up soda and the Root Beer Lady's famous concoction, as well as quirky items like Pickle Soda. The store has become a destination for locals and tourists alike, with customers praising the wide selection and unique offerings.

  • About 10 years ago, the Parrott family decided to open a candy store.
  • Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Parrott family bought land and built Sweetly Kismet Candy Store.
  • Five years after opening, Sweetly Kismet Candy Store now offers over 1,200 different types of candy and sweets.

The players

Ashley Parrott

Co-founder of Sweetly Kismet Candy Store and former traveling nurse.

John Parrott

Co-founder of Sweetly Kismet Candy Store and former pilot.

Brea Parrott

Daughter of Ashley and John Parrott and employee at Sweetly Kismet Candy Store.

Dorothy Molter

The "Root Beer Lady" who lived in the Boundary Waters wilderness area, and whose famous root beer concoction is sold at Sweetly Kismet Candy Store.

Sasha Thayer

A customer from Aitkin, Minnesota who visited Sweetly Kismet Candy Store for the first time.

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What they’re saying

“We have a sign at the end of the driveway, or as you are entering the driveway, that says, 'Welcome to your sweet spot,'”

— Ashley Parrott, Co-founder of Sweetly Kismet Candy Store

“They are, by far, our best seller here in the store.”

— Ashley Parrott, Co-founder of Sweetly Kismet Candy Store

“I've never been here before. I love it. It's pretty awesome.”

— Sasha Thayer, Customer from Aitkin, Minnesota

“There's a lot of selection and variety. It's stuff I've never even seen before.”

— Brandon DeCent, Customer from Brainerd, Minnesota

What’s next

Sweetly Kismet Candy Store plans to continue expanding its selection of nostalgic and quirky sweets, while also exploring opportunities to open additional locations in northern Minnesota.

The takeaway

Sweetly Kismet Candy Store's success demonstrates how family-owned businesses can thrive by tapping into local tastes and community values, even in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The store's commitment to offering a unique and nostalgic candy experience has helped it become a beloved destination in northern Minnesota.