Like a kid in his own candy store, CEO Christopher Beers excitedly greeted his first customers as they wandered in to explore Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop at his Bethlehem location’s Oct. 17 grand opening.

The Grandpa Joe’s founder opened his first candy shop in Pittsburgh in 2012. Since then, Beers said, “I’ve just continued to try to find unique small towns that really would be a great home run for a candy store like mine.”

Beers grew up in the Lehighton area and attended Northampton Community College. Of the 10 Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shops Beers has operating in downtown areas, five are in Ohio and five are in Pennsylvania, including the newly-opened Bethlehem store at 462 Main St. Another one is in Stroudsburg. “I’ve always been in love with the downtown Bethlehem,” he said.

Inspired as a child after watching the movie “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” Beers decided the candy business was for him and named the enterprise after “Grandpa Joe,” a character from novel portrayed by Jack Albertson in the 1971 film.

“If they make it, we have it,” said Beers about the plethora of unique sweets he retails. Included are the recently resurrected Bar None chocolate bars, Idaho Spuds and Cherry Mash candy, and of course, Mike and Ikes and Peeps from Just Born.

Grandpa Joe’s offers its “World Famous $5 Candy Box,” which allows customers to choose what they want from stacked bins of candy along the back wall. Jelly beans and chocolate are sold by the pound. Vintage bottled soda, many with unique flavors like peanut butter and jelly, are available for purchase.

Beers credited Bruce Haines, managing owner of the Bethlehem Hotel across the street, with advising and helping him with his newest venture. “We beefed up our toy and gift inventory,” said Beers, after Haines had expressed a desire to see a toy store somewhere along Main St.

Among the family-friendly items for sale are Bob Ross lunchboxes, Mr. Rogers magnets, Bigfoot with Loch Ness Monster socks, lava lamps and Wonka Bars.

For folks with a taste for politics, there are ‘National Embarrassmints,’ with the current president pictured on the tin declaring “They’re Yuge!” Other tongue-in-cheek politically-themed merchandise includes coffee cups, and RGB and Bernie action figures.

For adventurous customers with iron stomachs, there are Crick-ettes, featuring the crunchy insects with different seasonings, and Scorpion Suckers, with the arachnids embedded in apple, blueberry and other lickable flavors.

The unique store strives to bring smiles to those who shop there.

For information, visit grandpajoescandyshop.com or call 484-635-1957.