A wooden construction fence went up at 668 Central Avenue last week signaling the start of interior construction of Rocket Fizz, a new soda pop and candy shop. The 1,300 square foot space was formerly home to Daddy Kool Records, which has since moved to the Warehouse Arts District.

In the past few years, the 600 block has become home to a slew of new businesses. Newcomers include Maple Street Biscuit Company, Pacific Counter, and Brass Bowl. And opening in early 2020 will be a Hopdoddy Burger Bar.

Reminiscent of old fashioned candy shops, Rocket Fizz will offer a gigantic selection of candy that’ll send you back in time to when you were a kid. The company prides themselves on stocking candy that is rare to find or in limited production by various manufacturers, such as those that were popular during the 1960s to 1980s. Some of the best-selling items at other locations include Charleston Chew, Abba-Zaba, candy cigarettes, giant gummy bears, and Japanese imported candies.

Their soda selection will be extensive as well. While they’ll carry classic brands such as Jones Soda and Sprecher, the star of the show are usually the crazy-flavored Rocket Fizz-branded sodas. Over 500 varieties will be available, such as bacon-flavored soda, ranch dressing-flavored soda, buffalo wing-flavored soda, coffee soda, among others.

The shop will also sells hundreds of retro and gag gifts, concert and movie posters, and tin signs too. The inventory will always be expanding.

Along with the St Pete location, Amber Patterson and her business partners Kristin Patterson and Hope Silveira have opened two other Rocket Fizz locations in Tampa Bay — one in Wesley Chapel and one on Clearwater Beach.

As for why they chose St. Pete to open a Rocket Fizz, “St. Pete has such a unique vibe that we think will really resonate with the Rocket Fizz brand,” says Amber. “We also love the walkability of downtown and how it has become more of a tourist destination over the past few years.”

Founded in California in 2009, Rocket Fizz has become the largest and fastest growing soda pop and candy shop franchise brand in America. And it’s not surprising as they are literally selling fun. Currently, there are over 90 Rocket Fizz store locations in the United States and one in Canada. And get ready Tampa, Amber, Kristin, and Hope have been scouting on your side of the bay for their next location.

Buildout is currently underway in St. Pete with an expected opening by the end of October.