The Licorice Shop owners, Richard and Pamela Cann, will be shutting up shop at Kanahooka – but it’s not the end of their story. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
It’s official – the Licorice Shop at Kanahooka is set to close.
After the council ordered owners Richard and Pamela Cann to make changes they just couldn’t afford, the long-time lolly specialists decided to shut up shop.
Luckily for them, fate intervened.
A customer needed someone to take over the care of a tourist park in Tasmania – and he was happy for the office to become a hybrid lolly shop.
Now the duo, who are both approaching their 90th birthdays, are packing up their wares and preparing for the big move.
“He was in desperate need and this way we can keep going and doing our thing,” Ric said.
“We’ve had so many tears with people; some people don’t even get through the door before they burst into tears.
“We thought we’d be here forever; it’s been lovely being here.
“It’s a bit daunting to make this move at our age, but there will be a lot less traffic in Tasmania than there is here.
“We are going to be trading on the main beach of Launceston, East Beach; it’s a beautiful spot and it gives us a lovely opportunity to do the same thing down there.”
The dynamic duo have been in the sweets business for more than 20 years, and have built up a dedicated following.
They started out selling chocolates from their stall at The Rocks Market in Sydney until lockdowns, reduced tourism and new health measures meant the market stall couldn’t continue.
They shifted online for a time, and when restrictions began to ease the couple started to look around for a shopfront.
By chance they ended up in Kanahooka and have been delighting the tastebuds of kids – big and small – for years.
It’s impossible to step into the shop without Ric offering you a sample.
“This is to stop you making so much noise,” he’ll say, with a twinkle in his eye.
They stock lollies you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else, and offer a taste of home for people who grew up overseas.
“They bring back memories and it’s been lovely,” Ric said.
“That’s why we give out samples in the store; it triggers a memory and they share their stories.
“Stories are what it’s all about.”
If you’re one of their many fans and you’re worried about how you’re going to afford the flights to Tasmania to get your fix, fear not.
These octogenarians are old hands at selling online, and you can order their wares here.
