If you’re thinking of going to See’s Candy this Valentine’s Day, think again. Corporate candy stores can’t possibly compete with Davis’ family-owned sweet shop called “The Candy House.” Owner Maiwandy Osman Sunny has been making his exquisite candy right here in Davis at 901 3rd Street since the year 2000, but his shop has traveled across countries and continents before its arrival in our little town.

Maiwandy’s original candy store was once a shop in Frankford, Germany, by the same name, where he sold quality candies with a European appeal. The Europeans, he says, are less into the rich chocolates and more into fruits and marzipan. “It’s American right now,” Maiwandy says of the type of candy he makes. “They have different tastes than Europeans – heavy and tasty stuff.”

San Francisco housed the Candy House (near the Pac Bell Stadium) just before its move to Davis. Maiwandy and his family are happy to be here in Davis now, and he mentions that he enjoys that Davis is “a very nice unique town, very friendly people.” He chose Davis because he was frequently visiting friends here, and one day he came and found the empty store available for rent. The rest is a work in progress.