This summer, it will be even easier for Bend residents and visitors to satisfy their sugary cravings with the upcoming opening of Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe in the Old Mill District.

Sweet Tooth will offer a large variety of candy, from more than 400 bulk candy choices all the way to specialty Japanese candy and gift items. The store is being designed by a prop company that does custom work in Disneyland in order to give visitors a fun and memorable experience when they visit.

?There?s just something about a candy store that makes it simple to let go of the stress and challenges of everyday life and enjoy being a kid- or at least feeling like one ? again,? said Lisa Kubota, who owns the store with her husband, Tosh. ?We?ve wanted to open a store like Sweet Tooth for a number of years, and after moving to Bend, we knew the ideal location for us would be the Old Mill District.?

Kubota went on to mention the district?s unique and upscale look and feel, along with the beautiful outdoor surroundings, as reasons for the choice.

In addition to a vast array of candy choices, the shop will also sell candy-themed gift items plus "fill it yourself" candy containers, which customers can choose to fill with their favorite candy. Just a few of the candies available include salt water taffy, novelty candy, retro candy, lollipops, sugar-free candy, and, of course, chocolate!

The Kubotas moved to Bend with their daughters four years ago for its family friendly environment and lifestyle. Tosh comes from the high tech industry and Lisa was formerly a pediatric occupational therapist. Opening Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe is the realization of a long-anticipated dream for the couple. They are looking forward to becoming a destination both for locals and visitors to the area.

The store is slated to open in mid-July at 450 SW Powerhouse Dr, Suite 402, right in the heart of the Old Mill District. The store can be contacted by emailing Lisa@sweettoothcandyshoppe.com or Tosh@sweettoothcandyshoppe.com.