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Chicopee couple find success in sweets

Jim and Rita O'Dell, owners of Sweet Creations on Pond Street off Granby Road, showcases some of their big sellers for the holidays sleighs of assorted chocolates, chocolate turkey pops, and Granny Smith apples dipped in caramel, dark, white and milk chocolate, and drizzled with nuts. Reminder Publications photo by Lori O'Brien-Szepelak
By Lori O'Brien-Szepelak

Correspondent



CHICOPEE Baker Rita O'Dell says she tries to incorporate chocolate into every gourmet treat she creates from scratch for her shop aptly named Sweet Creations.

The quaint shop is tucked away on Pond Street, just off Granby Road, and was formerly Tony's Restaurant that had served Italian cuisine for close to 30 years, closing in the 1980's.

"Business has been part of my family since I was a child," said O'Dell during an interview with Reminder Publications, noting that the restaurant was a family affair. "My family's motto was, 'Make your products fresh and always use high-quality ingredients, and make them with love.'"

With the holiday season soon upon us, O'Dell and her husband Jim expect to spend countless hours each day turning out cakes, cookies, and of course, chocolates in all shapes, sizes and styles.

"He's my right-hand man," said O'Dell, adding that her husband not only helps with packaging but adds a helping hand wherever she needs it.

O'Dell emphasized that she has had a love for baking for more than 30 years, and dedicates herself to providing quality products in a friendly atmosphere. Her previous career was as a registered nurse, mostly recently at Heritage Hall in Agawam.

During a recent visit to the shop, city resident Joseph Matte was also in purchasing maple creams for his dad's birthday, as well as a box of assorted candies including coconut creams, cherry cordials and hazelnut creams. Matte said he stops in because he knows the "chocolate is really good and all homemade."

After her customers left with their boxed chocolates, O'Dell stressed that she and her husband focus their business on providing great customer service and ensuring they keep the neighborhood bakery and chocolate shop feeling that her customers have grown to love.

The shop boasts several tables brimming with seasonal and traditional displays of chocolates, many in a wide range of gift baskets. As the O'Dells gears up for the holiday season, expect a colorful assortment of sleighs brimming with chocolates, chocolate turkey pops, and gourmet apples drizzled in chocolate, caramel and nuts.

Other tempting treats displayed around the shop include chocolate-covered Oreos, two for $1; chocolate-dipped biscotti in a bag for $1, and Kids Goody Cups at $1.99 each. There are even chocolate-covered fortune cookies at two for $1.50. In addition to everything chocolate, O'Dell makes her own blueberry and strawberry jams that sell for $1.50 each.

O'Dell also makes a variety of cakes in flavors ranging from yellow, marble and lemon to almond, white, spice, maple and, of course, chocolate.

"We offer unlimited design possibilities in all of our standard flavors and sizes," she said, adding all cakes are customized to the customer's specifications.

Cookie trays are also popular sales items, and O'Dell emphasized that all are always "fresh and delicious and the quality and goodness can be tasted in every bite."

Her cookie trays, starting at $25, are filled with an assortment of favorites including chocolate chip, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, Italian pizzelles, almond, coconut macaroons and ginger snaps. Customers can also expect to find Italian anise cookies, raspberry thumbprints, chocolate-dipped biscotti, sugar cookies and nut powder balls in the lavishly designed cookie trays. Additionally, the homemade cookies can be cut into a variety of shapes and specially decorated for any season.

As all cakes and cookie trays are made to order, O'Dell requires three to four days notice for cakes and a one-week notice for cookie trays.

Of course, what chocolate shop wouldn't be complete without a glassed case filled with a large variety of delectable, mouth-watering chocolates? A sampling of what the O'Dells offer can range from peanut butter cups, cherry cordials, truffles and fudge, to maple creams, coconut creams and chocolate-covered grahams.

As the O'Dells begin their fifth year in business, they stressed that all of their products are made in the store and with high-quality chocolates to guarantee freshness and great flavor. Their big sellers continue to be gift baskets jam packed with chocolates, pretzels, cookies, jams and jellies, as well as cakes in all shapes and sizes, and breads (pumpkin and banana are especially popular this time of year). Her small breads are $2.50 each and the large breads sell for $3.75.

O'Dell's previous work as a registered nurse also makes her cognizant of her ingredients that includes nuts and nut oils, and she has signs posted throughout the shop alerting customers so that no one will have an adverse reaction.

For area residents and businesses considering holiday shopping options, the O'Dells are ready to make any occasion sweet for their customers. Visit their website at www.ritassweetcreations.com for a complete product line and for more information on their business.

Sweet Creations is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (413) 593-6500.