Lofty Pursuits, Tallahassee’s old-school soda and ice cream shop, has reached new heights with 32 years of operation under its belt. To celebrate its anniversary Sept. 17, they have a few more sweets up their sleeves.
“I’m proud,” owner Greg Cohen said in an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat. “I changed people’s lives a little bit for the better, I made them smile. I’ve always said Lofty Pursuits doesn’t sell toys, it doesn’t sell ice cream, it doesn’t sell candy — it sells happiness.”
When Cohen first opened the toy shop on Tharpe Street with money from his grandfather to put towards school, he lived off Ramen Noodles and thought in two or three years he’d wrap things up and move on to the next adventure.
Three decades and generations of customers later, the local sweet shop and its erudite owner have been recognized both far and wide. We’re talking New York Times to national competitions and sometimes even travels abroad. Their execution of candies, egg cream, ice cream as well as knowledge on American soda fountains and toys has been recognized. Lofty Pursuits even has a marching band that just became a nonprofit organization.
Chocolate surprise
From candy to ice cream to daily brunch, Lofty Pursuits has never shied away from surprises. You name it they’ve got it going, or at least now they do because after thorough research and development, this “old candy store” has added a brand-new treat to its lineup: chocolates.
“I keep on bringing in things from my childhood, things that interest me and hopefully things that interest the customers, and I try do it as best as possible,” he said.
With the help of an offsite facility turned chocolate kitchen with the perfect temperature and humidity levels, chocolate treats like the dark and milk chocolate covered almonds, cherries, cashews and even gummy bears can be found in store. More items are in the works like chocolates combined with the store’s signature hard candies or dried fruit infused ones.
It sounds like it’d be simple to add this decadent dessert many know and love on the menu, but Cohen will tell you otherwise because “if it’s not good, we’re not going to do it.”
Perfecting the technique
To master the craft, Cohen traveled all the way to Penn State University to sit in a classroom with employees from renowned candy companies Hershey and Jolly Rancher, for the food science class, “Chocolate Short Course.”
The bean-to-bar five-day long program led by craft chocolate entrepreneurs, equipment manufacturers, and Penn State faculty instructed manufacturers “in the theory and practice of chocolate production from the selection of raw materials through the marketing of finished product.”
The local owner said he’s had people train him and give him steps to make the rich dessert but he couldn’t duplicate it because there was “not enough knowledge to correct errors.”
So after taking the extensive course he also consulted experts at the American Association of Candy Technologists, which he is now a member of, and candy sensory evaluation classes to perfect his confections.
He looks forward to making specialty items for upcoming holidays like Christmas. He already has treats planned for next Easter as well.
He thinks this new addition could too earn its own awards one day.
“If we’re going to make chocolate, we’re going to make the best chocolate possible,” he said.
If you go
What: Lofty Pursuits
When: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 7 a.m. – 9p.m. Sunday
Where: 1355 Market St.
This article includes previously reported information.
Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee’s Lofty Pursuits expands its sweet menu after 32 years
Reporting by Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
