Goody Gourmet's

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Sometimes it’s the little things in life that make a big difference. For Jacquie Chesser it was homemade candy. Jacquie always loved baking and 10 years ago, when she was working in the corporate world, she perfected her skills by making cakes for her family and friends in her spare time. Her dream was to start her own bakery. One day, that plan changed when she ran out of decorative flowers for a wedding cake and improvised with her homemade candy.

When everyone wanted to know who made the candy, Jacquie decided to take a new business path that would lead her to opening Goody Gourmet’s in Shorewood three years ago. “I’ve always loved Shorewood. It reminds me of the way the world was when I was a kid, and we all watched out for one another. You don’t find that in a lot of communities,” says Jacquie. The store got its name because, as its motto says, it offers “something for everyone” with goodies from delicious homemade confections to gourmet popcorn. “When you put the word gourmet in your name, you’d better have quality products made with the best ingredients. I won’t ever buy a cheap seed,” says Jacquie.

In a village like Shorewood, where family values and friendly neighbors are important, Goody’s fits right in. Kids love Jacquie’s warm smile and patience in helping them pick just the right treats at the right price for their allowance. Business neighbors look forward to dropping in for a candy or popcorn break. Some seniors visit every day and they’re especially welcome. “I’m a huge fan because I spent so much time growing up with my grandparents,” Jacquie recalls. “They’re gone now and while no one can take their place, my senior customers help fill their space.” Jane Paulson, one of the regulars, says it seems she has known Jacquie forever. “She is truly one of my sisters. Besides, I love her popcorn and double-dipped graham crackers.”

Goody’s handmade confections are always favorites, but Jacquie says that popcorn sales at Goody’s have surged in popularity. Maybe that’s because of Jacquie’s special recipe and the wide variety of flavors most local places don’t offer. With more than 13 different flavors, including lemonade, bacon and white chocolate, and probably more to come, sampling popcorn at Goody’s is fun. “I love it when customers try the jalapeño thinking it’s like cheese popcorn. Then it hits and they say, my goodness - that IS hot!” Goody’s newest innovation is “hull-less” popcorn, an alternative Jacquie came up with for customers with digestive concerns like diverticulitis.

Even when the store looks quiet, Goody’s is busy behind the scenes filling Internet and business orders for incentives, promotions or special gifts personalized with logos or photographs. That’s when family and friends pitch in to help Jacquie make sure every order is filled properly, backed up by the excellent customer service for which Goody’s is well-known.

Jacquie Chesser and her family have become part of the Shorewood family. And Goody Gourmet’s is another business that makes our Village unique. Pop in and see for yourself!