Gioia Candy & More

My coworker and I went into this place a week ago to get some gelato. I’m assuming the guy that rudely assisted us was the owner. I wanted to sample the Peach gelato before I bought it. The guy seemed annoyed that I would ask for a sample but I ignored his demeanor the first time. My coworker wanted to sample the chocolate. The guy did give us a sample but he acted like he really didnt want to. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to get Peach or Mango gelato. So I asked for a sample of mango. The guy rudely tells me after this no more samples. At that point I told him that it’s ok I didnt want the sample. If Marianos were near by I would have went there for gelato. We left immediately after that and ended up at Dairy Queen where the service was great and we bought delicious ice cream. I’ve never been to a place where you couldn’t try the gelato before you buy it. I will definitely not go there ever again.

In life I am never early. I am on time if it’s a job. A paying job like 35 years of my career. After I retired I really haven’t been early ever again. Until yesterday.
I am in the midst of a Cuba obsession and Cristina Garcia was doing a reading from her latest book, King of Cuba, for Columbia’s story week right across the street from here. I really wanted to get a good seat, was worried about traffic, etc.
As a result we were parked and needing a combination snack/​restroom stop 45 minutes before the event began. 45 minutes! What to do? Get candy and hope they have a public bathroom.
We selected a variety of prepackaged candies which were perfect for our needs. Had I been looking for actual boxed fancy candy this might not have been my first choice but for our needs, ideal.
While checking out I asked the friendly guy if there was a public washroom nearby. He produced a key and just like that, all of our needs were taken care of.
Perfect! Candy and a pit stop then onto a literary event about Cuba. Life is good.

One Valentine’s Day, they offer fresh chocolate-​covered strawberries! Just one month away – can’t wait!

I like their truffles, mint meltaways and chocolate covered pecans. I believe that the prices are comparable to other candy shops. The service is not bad but for a specialty shop, could be better. whenever I go, there’s a lady and she ‘s always aloof. I plan to try the gelato very soon.

Hey Gioia, expand your selection of gummy candy! Half of the store space is wasted on jelly beans, and your store is super small to begin with. Besides, who eats jelly beans?
Your homemade gelato is great, however, now that yogen fruz is open in the same building I find myself going there instead for a frozen treat.
Writing this review has made me hungry for some sour apple rings, oh well. I guess I’ll be stopping by later.

This place does have really good gelato for a treat during the day, and they can pack you a pint for you to take home at the end of the day. Their homemade chocolates are also yummy, especially the truffles.

I’m surprised no one has reviewed this place yet. It’s in the first floor of the big DePaul building downtown and it’s always busy. The best feature: homemade gelato! They have tons of different (rotating) flavors and they guy who makes it is around a lot to answer questions. They have all of the expected candy and chocolates along with greeting cards and coffee. The staff is very friendly and will sometimes throw in a free sample for repeat customers.