Life on Mercer Island just got a little bit sweeter with the arrival of Island Treats’ new storefront, now open as of June 16th. Owner Ann Peterson has been selling her chocolates and sweet treats at farmers markets and wholesale on Mercer Island and in Seattle, but this month she claims her own space – a brightly colored, friendly spot – seizing an opportunity to expand her offerings and her audience.
Seasonal flavors and candies, says Peterson, are the most exciting part of the new shop. “I have candy ADHD,” she jokes. With wholesale, her agility was limited, as labeling rules and orders meant planning six or more months ahead. Now, if she decides to make s’mores pops or strawberry mallows, she can have them on shelves that day.
Left to right: Island Treats owner Ann Peterson with employees Kaitlyn Apodaca and Kaylia Balinbin
In addition to her current wholesale offerings, like chocolate-salted caramels, pretzel thingies, toffee, and peanuts butter bites, the new store will have brittles, flavored caramel sauces, and meltaways. The front of the counter will hold party supplies, turning the store, she hopes, into a “one-stop party shop for all of life’s celebrations.” And, while an unfortunately-timed torn rotator cuff has slowed down her ambitions momentarily, she has big plans down the line to add fresh-baked cookies to shelves, and maybe even host parties in the kitchen, for folks who “want to pretend to be Lucy and Ethel.”
The 750-square-foot shop is a big jump from Peterson’s previous commercial kitchen, where she shared 280-square-feet with four employees. “I heard the Christian Science Reading Room was moving, and it was the perfect opportunity,” she says of why she’s opening the storefront.
A Mercer Island resident for more than 30 years, she started the company in 2013 when her last kid went off to college and she switched careers from chef to follow her candy-coated-passion. From small beginnings at a holiday fair, she grew to multiple farmers markets and retail outlets from Island Books to Cone & Steiner shops in Seattle.
The very Instagram-friendly display wall in Island Treats with a few s’mores pops
While her last day at the Mercer Island Farmers Market was Sunday, she’ll keep her Redmond market stall, and you will soon find Island Treats handcrafted sweets, along with packaged and bulk candies every day at the Island Treats shop. And, most importantly to Peterson, you can talk to her – she’s excited to make a stronger connection to her community of Island Treats customers.
Grand Opening
Celebrate Island Treats with a ribbon cutting at 10 am on June 16th, followed by a party with a raffle for candy, gift cards, and even a “treat of the month” prize.
Island Treats is located on 7605 SE 27th St., Ste. 106, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Store hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm, and Sunday noon to 5 pm.
Visit Island Treats online at www.islandtreatsnw.com.
