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    Sweet Josies Candy Shop

    3.4 (75 reviews)
    InexpensiveCandy Stores
    Open 12:00 pm - 3:30 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Exterior
    Matthew L.

    Sweet Josie's Candy Shoppe is a seasonal confectionery shop and ice cream parlor that opened in York, Maine in 1980. It was founded by Margaret "Peggy" Shaheen Fennelly, who named it for her mother Josephine "Josie" Skeip Shaheen. The shop specializes in over 60 flavors of homemade fudge, old-fashioned hard candies, gummies, saltwater taffy, and other classic candies. The shop also serves Gifford's brand ice cream and Richie's brand Italian ice. After Peggy passed away in 2021, the shop was taken over by her daughter Kathleen Fennelly Perez and her husband Jose. As of 2025, Sweet Josie's is now under new ownership. The shop operates from late April through mid October. My family and I recently visited Sweet Josie's this summer while we were spending the week in York. We were really impressed with the interior of the shop; it was so colorful. All of the candy looked so delicious, especially the fudge! However, we were actually on the hunt for some delicious ice cream. After looking over all of the flavors, I got a cup of "Dinosaur Crunch" (blue vanilla ice cream, fudge swirl, chocolate-covered Rice Krispies), my wife had a cup of "Sea Salt Caramel Truffle", and our sons both had cups of "Cookie Monster". That ice cream really hit the spot; it was exactly what we were looking for. The next time we make a trip to York, we'll have to stop at Sweet Josie's again and try out their homemade fudge!

    BE AWARE: Owner HATES children! You would think the amount of 1 stars all saying the same thing about the owner and her treatment of children, she'd get a hint. But alas, here we are! I've been coming to York since I was a kid, and have brought my children since they were all in diapers. We went into this shop today as was IMMEDIATELY put off by the no hand signs on ALL the containers, and the "No fudge samples" or "no ice cream samples" signs. The vibe was already bad. The older woman, who I assume to be the owner, started following us (we had four kids and an infant with us, who were excited about candy). My kids know not to touch candy, and they were being good. And this woman comes behind us and says "we take touching the candy VERY SERIOUSLY especially by children" excuse you? Is this a museum? All this candy is packaged in bins, it's not like they're trying to spit on it! I immediately took my kids and left. We went to Goldenrod where they treat kids as they should. There is also another cute shop across the way from this one where the owners offer samples and have always been kind to my kids when we went in. I have respectful kids but they had $10 I gave to each of them and they wanted to spend it on candy. This owner needs to get a clue, clearly all our one star (should be negative!) about the same kind of rude treatment. I'm guessing all the more than 1-2 stars were customers who didn't have kids. Will never even go near this place again.

    a sign for a saltwater taffy

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    1 month ago

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    25 days ago

    This is the best dodge I ever had. I highly recommend this shop. The owner is so friendly and helpful. I won't go anywhere else.

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    21 days ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Absolutely love this location in downtown. They have a great selection with fast and friendly service. Ask for the bags from the counter.

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    10 months ago

    Went in looking for a treat and we got one! The fudge is amazing I had to try 8 different flavors. Great customer service

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    11 months ago

    Ice cream section was closed and the sweet staff still got my kids their ice cream. Made their night. Thank you!!!

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    1 year ago

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    Sweet J.

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    1 year ago

    Awesome selection of candy and fudge. Fantastic customer service. We will definitely be back

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    2 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Sweet Josies Candy Shop

    Review Highlights - Sweet Josies Candy Shop

    This is the best candy store on the strip in short sands at York Beach.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Sweet Josies Candy Shop - candy - Updated July 2026

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