Hop on This Choo-Choo Train to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

If you combine Willy Wonka-like treats with the smells and memories of childhood, you'll have Tinley's .

Nestled in storefront at 7062 183rd St., the shop is a premiere hot spot for sweet tooth satisfaction. The bright colors on the its walls pale in comparison to its stock of nearly every candy imaginable.

Pull the lever on the M&M station or pick from multiple shelves of sweets to fill a clear plastic bag to your heart’s desire. Hard candy, soft candy, striped candy, candy with twists, candy that stretches and caramel candy are all just an arm’s length away.

A train in the middle of the store takes passengers on a one-stop ride to paradise. The sides are filled with bins of lollipops and hard candy of every variety. The choo choo travels in a chute of colored bubblegum and the conductor becomes kids' immediate best friend.

But the store's aroma is the glue that holds it all together—the smell of popcorn made fresh daily. Owners Dona Sindt and Kim Delisi—they're sister-in-laws—use the same recipe created by Kim’s father, Sam Delisi, who opened the store. Customers can't seem to get enough of that popcorn.

Orland Park resident Minnie Blackwell comes in almost every other day for a mixed bag.

"I'm addicted," she said.

When Kim's father was ready to retire, it felt natural for her to take it over, she said. They made sure to keep the atmosphere in the Tinley store simple; one that reminded customers of simpler times.  

Today, they provide a traditional old-world selection with a few modern updates.   

The ladies offer Sam's original seven recipes but have also created new flavors that range from spicy and sweet to tangy. Customers can buy popcorn in tins or bags, as well as custom bouquets or gourmet chocolate boxes that can be made to order. 

A variety of sugar-free candy and smoothies are also now part of the menu.