Shoppes on Strawbridge sells sweet treats

When Vinnie Grimaldi placed some of his Vinny Lu’s chocolate-covered potato chips at his sister’s new shopping complex, The Shoppes on Strawbridge, it was a homecoming of sorts for the deliciously addictive product. It was in this very same location that Vinny and Caroline Grimaldi’s dad, Vincent, many, many years ago married those two excellent food groups, chocolate and potato chips.

The 11th generation candy maker maintains his VinnieLu’s headquarters at 886 N. Miramar Ave. in Indialantic, but it seemed perfect that the chocolate covered potato chips should be also available at his sister’s Shoppes, located at the old site of the original Grimaldi Candies factory. The store had sat empty for five years until Caroline Grimaldi decided to launch her new venture.

The family no longer owns Grimaldi Chocolates, which is based in Rockledge.

The chips, which go for $8.30 for half a pound and $13 for the full pound, are not the only treats available at The Shoppes. Southern Caramel, for example, offers locally-made salted caramels with varieties that include Original Bourbon, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Caramel Latte. Prices range from $6.99 for a quarter pound ($9.99 for the Bailey’s) to $11.99 for a half pound. Handmade ice cream sauces go for $7.99 for an eight-ounce jar.

Julie Shipley of The Soup Shop has also joined the stable of purveyors at The Shoppes.

“She has 40-plus varies, salads and a phenomenal mac ’n’ cheese that’s to die for,” said Caroline Grimaldi.

The restaurant-size portion of the mac goes for $6. Shipley’s grab-and-go counter should prove very popular, says Grimaldi.

“I call it the coolest case in town,” she said.

Grimaldi is scouting for more vendors and should have around 40 in the next few weeks. She would like for The Shoppes to offer some convenience food items, too.

“Downtown needs a little place to get a few grocery items,” she said.

The 3,800-square-foot Shoppes at Strawbridge complex, will also carry artwork and unique gifts and apparel, such flowers by the stem, bathing suits from Peru, embroidered children’s clothes, French country goods, leather dog collars and leashes and handmade silver jewelry.

Angela LoPresti, who operated LoPressionism Gallery for many years downtown, will feature paintings by both local and nationally known artists. Painter Phyllis Shipley and wood carver John Clifton are also represented.

“I aim to make The Shoppes a destination for shoppers in downtown Melbourne,” said Grimaldi.

“We’re the only retailer downtown open seven days a week,” said Caroline Grimaldi.

Know of a chef or restaurant we should feature? Email toastofthecoastfloridatoday@gmail.com.

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The Shoppes on Strawbridge is at 815 E. Strawbridge Ave., downtown Melbourne. The complex is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon until 5 p.m. Sunday.