What used to be the bubblegum-pink confectionary shop at the entrance of Punta Gorda’s Fishermen’s Village reopened after five months of rebranding under Cindy Brown’s ownership.   

Simply Sweet’s pink exterior was replaced with a light blue color, a big change for the more than six-year-old shop. However, the familiarity of the candy shop will return to regulars inside as they are instantly greeted by the sweet smell of caramel and fudge.   

The interior is bigger and brighter compared to its former pink- and green-striped walls. Along with moving some walls, the new all-white interior of the shop allows the homemade fudge, gourmet chocolate, fresh popcorn and other treats to be the stars of the show.  

Brown took over ownership in May 2022 when the previous owners retired, but not without handing down recipes patrons know and love. “They pretty much taught us everything,” she said. “They taught us how to make the nuts, the popcorn, the fudge, you name it.”

Temporarily closing a month before Hurricane Ian for remodeling, the storm pushed the reopening of what Brown describes as Punta Gorda’s sweetest destination.  

“We [closed] because we wanted to remodel,” she said. “It was old, it needed it. The hurricane didn’t help because you have the permits and inspections and the cabinets, which everybody needed permits, inspections and cabinets. So, it just delayed it more and more, but now we’re open.” 

To Brown, the remodel allowed the candy shop to become more of an experience for guests.  

“The experience is going to be different,” she said. “You still get the home feeling of chocolate and gelato, but with a modern twist. You can see everything like you’re in your mom’s kitchen.” 

New displays for homemade fudge and gelato were just some of the changes to modernizing the shop, along with the experience of watching the fudge be made. Digitial menu boards also replaced the shop’s chalk board menus.Even the lighting in the shop has been upgraded, now having multicolor spider lamp chandeliers. 

Simply Sweet also offers treats such as cappuccinos, saltwater taffy, fresh-roasted nuts, soft serve ice cream and sugar-free options.  

The shop’s fudgemaker, Chris Cooper, said the best part of his job is seeing smiles on people’s faces when sampling and buying the confections offered.  

“I’ve been [at Fishermen’s Village] for six years and I’ve been seeing this grow and grow,” he said. “It’s amazing how different it is.” 

The shop plans to add new items, including a milkshake made of gelato instead of soft serve.  

“You’re not only paying for the candy but the experience,” Brown said. “We want people to come in, have a good time and smile. It’s a candy store.”