Origins: Two Sweet Legacies
At the heart of Gold Coast Candy is Sharay’s Ghana Style Brittle, the original brand and legal entity founded to bring authentic, bold nut brittles to America. Inspired by the classic Ghanaian nkate, Sharay’s brittle is known for its roasted nuts, caramelized cane sugar, and signature texture that doesn’t stick to your teeth. The success of Sharay’s became the foundation for what would evolve into a diverse confectionery company.
Meanwhile in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Sweet P’s Pantry was building its own legacy under founder Sharon Pavich. With a deep passion for candy making, Sharon transformed Sweet P’s into a local favorite known for its handcrafted toffees, caramels, chocolates, and award-winning nut confections made with Wisconsin butter and Belgian chocolate. Her creativity and craftsmanship helped Sweet P’s become a beloved name in artisan sweets across the state.
Founding Gold Coast Candy in 2019 and Building the Vision
Gold Coast Candy was founded in 2019 by Yaw Asare to bring Sharay’s Ghana Style Brittle to a broader market. Drawing from his Ghanaian roots, Yaw set out to craft premium brittles that emphasized bold, nut-forward flavor and natural ingredients. During the brand’s early growth, Yaw partnered with Sweet P’s Pantry for co-packing and small-batch production. The two companies quickly developed a strong partnership as Sharay’s became one of Sweet P’s largest customers.
Acquiring Sweet P’s and Continuing Its Legacy
In 2023, Yaw Asare and Orson Fournillier acquired Sweet P’s Pantry, marking a new chapter for both brands. The acquisition was driven by a shared commitment to preserve the legacy that Sharon Pavich built, while expanding its reach with fresh ideas and broader distribution. Yaw and Orson saw Sweet P’s as more than a brand; it was a Wisconsin tradition worth honoring and growing.
Together, they are committed to protecting what makes Sweet P’s special—its small-batch artistry, loyal customers, and award-winning recipes—while bringing in new energy, creativity, and cross-cultural flavor.
Crafting with Heart and Heritage
Under the Gold Coast Candy umbrella, Sweet P’s and Sharay’s share a single philosophy: celebrate craftsmanship, keep ingredients natural, and tell stories through flavor. Whether it’s award-winning Wisconsin toffee or Ghana-inspired brittle, every treat is made in small batches with care and purpose.
Yaw brings cultural inspiration and product innovation. Orson brings business strategy and operational excellence. Together, they are continuing a shared mission to respect the past, innovate for the future, and share sweetness across communities.
Our Promise: Legacy, Growth, and Sweet Moments
At Sweet P’s Pantry and Gold Coast Candy, every treat is more than dessert.
It’s a connection between people, cultures, and generations. We are proud to preserve Sweet P’s traditions while introducing new products that reflect the diverse flavors of today’s world.
From Oconomowoc to Appleton and beyond, we invite you to experience our handcrafted confections and discover the blend of Wisconsin heart and Ghanaian soul that defines everything we do.
