It Really is a Sugarush
by Linda Herman

Walk through the door of Sugarush, the newish bulk candy store to hit Northeast Philadelphia, and you'll feel like you've been transported to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. You'll be surrounded by over 300 items of the most delicious sweets, the vision of which will send your senses into sugar overload instantaneously!

Luda Patlakh, the owner and creator of Sugarush, talked about her "sweet store" while I took a gander of the multiple containers dispensing the yummy candy in bulk. "We have hard candy, soft candy, licorice and gummie candies. We have milk chocolate, dark chocolate, raw nuts, roasted nuts, shelled and unshelled nuts. We have the widest assortment of dried fruits like apricots, apples, pineapple, and some that our customers never expect to find like blueberries, strawberries and cantaloupe! We have everyone's favorites like Kisses, Snickers, M&M's and Peanut Chews. We carry Asher's Chocolates and Kopper's, the original makers of chocolate cordials."

"We also have a wide assortment of sugar free candies, chocolates, jellie bellies, etc. for those watching their sugar. And for the lactose intolerant we have an extensive selection of dark chocolate favorites such as non pareils and lentils. The dark chocolate cordials are a hot item too! And everything is fresh... all the time!"

Luda knows how important a candy's freshness can be. "My background includes 18 years of selling candy wholesale, so I know how critical it is to not overstock just to maintain a heavy inventory. Candy can lose its edge if kept on the shelf too long. I order every week, and any candy that's been out too long is quickly discarded."

I noticed some beautiful boxes, wrappings and bags displayed on the walls. And in the center of the shop there were some elaborate gift trays all ready for a last minute hostess gift or birthday present. "We always have pre-made candy trays or nut and fruit boxes ready for a customer looking for a last minute gift. And of course, we are happy to create personalized packages with all the favorites of the person receiving it. Additionally, if a customer has a specific tray or box they would like us to use for their gift package, they can just bring that in and we'll create a candy masterpiece in their own container."
Now what about the price of buying some of those "favorites" like Snickers, etc. in a bulk candy store versus buying the same candy in the supermarket or drugstore? "We're cheaper. When we first opened we did our own little market study and surveyed area stores just to make sure. We checked prices and compared the same to our prices. Without question, buying in bulk at Sugarush is much more economical. Get your M&M's here and you'll save money and they'll be fresh!"
Sugarush has a long list of corporate clients including area synagogues, churches and businesses. Their candies can be found on the best tables and the best events in the Philadelphia, Montgomery and Bucks counties. And you'll find specially
prepared party favors, treat bags and chocolate buffets at many special occasion celebrations in our area. You can even arrange for a candy store party!

Right now, Sugarush is carrying a variety of honey and honey sticks for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. "The honey sticks are a fun and easy way to enjoy the honey traditional to welcoming in the Jewish New Year. It's not as messy also!"
You can find Luda and her mother, Roza Woshczyn, at Sugarush everyday except Saturdays. They promise to give each customer any individualized attention requested... and will let you just browse and inhale the sweet aroma if that's what you want to do. Browsing is good... and there's a lot to browse. Buy a pound, buy a half pound or less, you can get your preferred sugar rush at this Sugarush.