Raffy's Candy Store a 'Longtime Dream' for Owner

NEW LENOX, IL - Running a candy store is something most of us have thought about. We all played “Candyland” as children and developing a sweet tooth is always one of our first traits.

That’s no different for Dave Rafalski, who made that dream a reality when he opened Raffy’s Candy Store in New Lenox less than two years ago.

“Long time dream of mine,” Rafalski said. “Things fell in place at the right time and right location.”

The moment is one he will never forget.

“Opening the doors to my candy and ice cream shop for the first time and seeing my family’s faces full of excitement” is what he remembers most about opening his store at 2571 E. Lincoln Hwy, ste1 in New Lenox in October 2015.

By now, those in New Lenox with a sweet tooth already know about Raffy’s. It’s a “Mom and Pop Candy and Ice Cream Shop.” From the Chamber of Commerce to Mayor Tim Baldermann and his family, the entire community has been supportive and has embraced Raffy’s as one of its treasured local businesses.

“We feature nostalgic candy, premium chocolates, and the Original PLUSH HORSE ice cream,” Rafalski said.

While Raffy’s is relatively new to the Southland, Plush Horse is not. The ice cream shop has been a staple on 86th Avenue in Palos Park for decades. With a number of Palos natives having moved out to the Lincoln-Way area in recent years, it’s now Raffy’s that offers the chance of reliving the days of yore with the same ice cream.

At Raffy’s, Rafalski recommends choosing from “the variety of candy, milkshake or turtle sundae.”

The store succeeds “by making sure that the customer has the best experience possible.”

“I want this experience to be made of memories...like the ones I recall as a child visiting our local candy shop.”

Rafalski’s ideal client?

“One with a sweet tooth that walks in having a so-so day but they walk out satisfied and smiling,” he said. “If we could bring a smile to someone's face or knowing that we made their day a little better, then it was definitely worth it.”