Owner Eddi Marie Julian chuckles every time the sign displayed outside of her Downtown Modesto candy shop causes a passerby to do a double take. 

The sign “Beckles: Candies, Gifts, Legal Forms”—although humorous—gives each and every customer the perfect idea of what to expect when they step inside. 

“We offer a little bit of everything,” said Julian, “but overall we offer personalized, sweet service.”

Julian reports that she and her husband Jim Julian initially decided to purchase the candy shop in 1988 as a way to spend more time with their two children. 

“A candy shop is something we never thought about,” revealed Julian, “but we were looking for something that would include time for our children to be involved.”

Over the years, it has become apparent that that one purchase nearly 27 years ago has grown into something significantly larger, making Beckles the “sweetest spot in town.”

Beckles offers a wide array of fudge in a variety of flavors, jellybeans, gourmet truffles, licorice from different parts of the world, sugar-free treats, chocolate-dipped fruits, and a selection of hard-to-find old-time favorites. 

To prove this point, Julian pointed out the store’s old-time candy supply of Divinity, a delicious nougat confection made with egg whites, corn syrup, and sugar; and Ice Cube Chocolates, which are bite-size chocolate candies that create a smooth, icy taste.

In addition to her established inventory, Julian noted that she is willing to go at length to satisfy her customers’ individual needs, including making custom packed gift boxes and creating seasonally flavored candies. 

“People have favorite seasonal fudges where they come in and stock up,” said Julian. “We have pumpkin fudge that people come in and buy supplies of and cut into portions and freeze for their own occasions.”

The items offered at Beckles do not end with the mouthwatering candy selection. The store also offers an impressive selection of gifts, apparel for chocolate lovers, and—as mentioned before—legal documents.

“People always laugh when they read our sign saying that we have legal forms,” said Julian, “but once they realize how hard it is to get those forms and how easy it is to just have access to a majority of them here, it really is a convenience.”

Beckles Candies and Gifts is located at 950 10th St., Suite 16 in Modesto. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. on Monday through Friday and midday Saturday. The candy shop is also open to accommodate appointments.

For more information, call 523.1818 or email becklescandies@yahoo.com.