Earlier this month, Big Earl’s Greasy Eats – which was acquired by local entrepreneurs Brooke and Collin Dallas seven years ago – transformed its next-door space at 6135 E Cave Creek Rd into a wildly popular sweets shop dubbed Earl’s Old Time Candy.
Now, the young couple is setting their sights on expanding their footprint across the Valley with more Big Earl’s and Earl’s Old Time Candy outposts, complete with the family-friendly atmosphere they’ve grown so adept at cultivating, according to local media outlet The Foothills Focus.
What Now Phoenix could not immediately reach the Dallas family for comment.
The idea for the candy shop dates back to the pandemic when Brooke and Collin began hosting drive-in movies at Big Earl’s, providing the community with a safe way to gather while also abiding by social distancing regulations and mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
At the same time, the pair were trying to decide what they wanted to do with the next-door space they owned but was merely housing extra Big Earl’s equipment.
Incidentally, to go with their drive-in movies, Brooke and Collin were also offering their guests candy, and that’s when Collin pitched the idea of transforming the adjoining space into a candy shop, which officially opened Dec 1.
Since then, Big Earl’s Greasy Eats and Earl’s Old Time Candy have become something of a community gathering point and playground, complete with outdoor games and activities for local families. What’s more, support from the community has been nothing short of overwhelming.
Hoping to capitalize on the success of their idea, The Foothills Focus says that the “Dallas’ goal is to expand Big Early’s across the Valley and have a candy shop attached to each one,” adding that Brooke is “hoping to broaden the menu and open another family-friendly business.”
Meanwhile, Brooke explained, “We’re just looking for the right property. We have kids and Cave Creek is awesome. We do the drive-in movies, and have pavers with games. Our kids want to be here with us, not because they have to be. Cave Creek is the best town, and we have the best customers who support our family so much. It’s been such a blessing to our family.”
