In the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn, a small candy shop has become a local curiosity. Owner Eugene, who earned the nickname “Willy Wonka of Bushwick,” runs the Eugene J. Candy Company as a hands‑on laboratory of sweets, combining his chemical‑engineering training with a love for whimsical treats.
A lab‑like approach to candy
“Every recipe is like lab work,” Eugene explains, describing how he treats each confection as a scientific experiment. He studied chemical engineering in college and began taking detailed notes on candy recipes while still an undergraduate. A pivotal trip to Berlin sparked his entrepreneurial spirit: he started selling candy out of a briefcase at the city’s famed Berghain club and at local flea markets.
After years of hustling, Eugene opened his storefront in 2016. The shop’s crooked shelves, dim lighting, and spooky décor create a “candy laboratory masquerading as a spooky sweet shop,” he says. The unconventional layout, he notes, satisfies his engineering need for right angles while also providing a therapeutic space for creativity.
Inventive treats that draw crowds
Among the shop’s most popular items is a cinnamon‑toast‑crunch cereal coated in chocolate. Eugene also offers white‑chocolate‑covered gummy bears with an extra candy shell—a recent addition that returned by popular demand. Other novelty items include astronaut ice cream and Harry‑Potter‑themed jelly slugs, catering to both nostalgic adults and curious kids.
What sets his candy apart is the labor‑intensive panning process he employs. “It’s a very unique process, very labor‑intensive, and can take hours, days, or even weeks,” he says, emphasizing the craftsmanship behind each batch.
Running the shop solo
Eugene works the shop alone, joking that he wishes he could clone himself. “I pretty much work twice as long and make half as much as I used to,” he admits, yet he remains energized by the creative freedom the business provides. When asked about employees, he replied, “None.”
Community support has been a cornerstone of his success. Neighbors often bring over meals, and regular patrons have become friends. “When I first opened the store, my friends were my customers. Now my customers are my friends,” Eugene reflects, noting how the shop has woven itself into the fabric of the neighborhood.
Looking ahead
While Eugene’s operation remains a one‑person endeavor, his vision is clear: continue experimenting with new flavors, maintain the shop’s quirky atmosphere, and keep serving the Bushwick community. He sees the candy shop not just as a business, but as a place where creativity, science, and neighborhood spirit intersect.
For anyone strolling through Bushwick’s streets, the Eugene J. Candy Company offers a sweet reminder that entrepreneurship can thrive when passion, skill, and community support converge.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
