Sunshine Foods closes doors Feb. 2 - Fareway set to reopen later this month
The sun is setting on Deb and Kyle Svanda’s store’s final days as a Sunshine Foods. They’re preparing to lock the Tea Sunshine store’s doors for the final time this Saturday, February 2, as the store prepares to reopen later in February as a Fareway store.’
The Svanda’s opened the Tea Sunshine back in 2006. They were approached about the idea of opening the Tea store back in 2005, prior to which they were with the Canton Sunshine, which was turned into a Sunshine Foods store in 2001. They opened it along with other partners before they took over full ownership of the store in 2014.
During their time at the Tea Sunshine, the Svandas and their business have been heavily involved in the community. A community that was thrilled to have them there, according to Kyle Svanda who stated that the Tea community was, “Very good, very supportive.”
Throughout their over 12 years of being in Tea, the Svandas and their business have hosted and have been involved in a variety of community events. Probably one of the most well—known activities that the Tea Sunshine partakes in is the parade on Tea Pot days where the store throws approximately 3000 fudge bars to parade goers.
“That’s been our signature since the day we opened,” explained Deb Svanda.
The Tea Sunshine also has put on events such as their annual parking lot party, tent sales, and burger shacks. In addition, the business also sponsored a variety of Tea Titans sports teams.
The best part of their time with Sunshine Foods has been being so connected into their community. Kyle stated that it was, “Just being involved in the community and the relationships you build.”