Oliver's Candies — Restaurant in City of Batavia

My mom grew up in Batavia and Oliver's Candies was a huge part of her youth. She grew up, joined the Army, adopted my brother, then married my dad. Then I came along. And then my brother. And we all settled about a half hour to forty minutes from Batavia. Not really that far, but it seemed like moons away from where we lived. That's why when we did travel into Batavia to visit my grandma, and Oliver's Candies was a stop on the way home, this was a very, very special treat. Oliver's Sponge Candy. That was liquid gold to me. Part of the reason I loved it so much, I'm guessing, is because it was such a rarity that I ever had any of it.

I grew up, moved away, went to college, and Al Gore invented the Internet. And then after dial-up and chat rooms and AOL came along, someone said, "Let's make it faster." (George Bush?) Anyway, a lightbulb went off and I thought, "Hey, I wonder if OLIVER'S HAS A WEBSITE!?!" (This was a very exciting thought to me!) Guess what? They did! And I learned I could order Oliver's Chocolates on the Internet! Oh, happy day!

I graduated from college, got a job like a big girl, moved around a bit, met a guy, had a family, moved all over the world, and ended up back in Buffalo. I learned that, Holy Crap! OTHER places make sponge candy?! It's not JUST Oliver's? (The thought never occurred to me it wasn't their special secret.) The sponge candy near me is good. Really good. And some of it is possibly better. But Oliver's tastes like childhood to me. It tastes like home. So when I moved back home and realized a half hour isn't so long when you have your very own grown-up driver's license, I started going more regularly.

Their store is fun and welcoming for kids and adults. The parking lot is worth seeing all on its own! And the chocolate shop? Holy cow. My son went with me recently and ordered a milkshake. I asked him, "Aren't you going to get a sundae?" He said he wanted a milkshake. I, however, ordered a sundae, and when he saw it, he said, "Crap. I should have ordered that." Yeah. Learn from his mistake. There's nothing wrong with the milkshakes, but...

As soon as you drive up, you are welcomed by a nice big sign! Just a forewarning, if you take the left at the light, immediately turn on your indicator to turn right as the driveway into Oliver's is right there! When you step inside, the smell of fresh chocolate, and sweets fill you. They carry every sugar concoction you can dream of! The chocolates are my favorite! Milk, dark, chocolate covered, bars, candy coated, chocolate covered nuts, gift boxed, SUGAR FREE (and a great variety!), a make your own pixie stick station for the kids, or the big kid in you! They have Jelly Belly brand big gummy Dinos, and jelly beans, as well as other licensed candies, for the little ones to enjoy. They also have the cutest decor for serving your delectable sweets on, and greeting cards for many occasions. What I love, and have utilized twice myself, is their ability to pack and ship your goodies to send, right from the store! That's right, and my items were sent to Arizona, and arrived within a week! My grandmother was so happy to receive some NY treats! Last but not least, check out their delicious ice cream shop around back! Delicious sundaes, and my favorite, the banana milkshake. You can sit in the little indoor area, or outdoors and enjoy your treat. They also have a freezer filled with yummy frozen treats to go. Take the scenic route, and get yourself some...

Walked in to get ice cream. First time ever trying this place. 3 people in front of us knew the guy working the ice cream counter, and the older guy in front of us (2 kids & I) says, " I have a huge group."And then 8 other people come in and just barge in front of us 3, who were standing there waiting behind these 4 people. One of the new arrivals made a comment that we- my kids and I - were there first, but the old guy says, oh well, paying and I know people here. Wtaf,?!? We walked out. What is the point of a line of it's ok to just budge in front of other customers because you know the person working??? I'm a retail manager, and this would NEVER fly in my place of business. We were waiting a few minutes before this random large addition came strolling in, and everyone behind the ice cream counter was completely ok with the way this old guy acted. I'll never be back. 2 comes would have, and should have been taken care of in 60 seconds, and would have walked out happy, lifelong customers. Unfortunately, nobody has the balls to tell old guy who knew the young guy behind the counter he was in the wrong. Where is the desire to offer CUSTOMER SERVICE? Seemed to meet friends and family get priority over paying customers who waited in line....