Brandi Macfarlane is also lovingly known as “Auntie” to her biggest fan base: her daycare kiddos. Both her kid-crew and grandkids help her with quality control, taste testing new additions to the Sweeties line-up of goodies and treats. They made sure to be first through the door for Sweeties grand opening. From left are Lucas Onyett, Saxon Ross, Cameron Onyett, Cohen Waite and Hayes Waite. In the back is Macfarlane. Photo by Courtney Waite

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - After weeks of operating under their “soft opening” schedule, Sweeties in Gridley celebrated their grand opening.

The event took place Tuesday, Aug. 22 at the downtown Gridley location. Owner Brandi Macfarlane stocked the store with a variety of goodies to entice guests, including her delicious gluten-free cookies, homemade sourdough breads, cupcakes and more.

To honor their growing customer base, Sweeties held a raffle to win a free dozen cookies and handed out coupons for a free cookie to all those that attended.

Macfarlane said the community support has been amazing since they opened July 22. The baker reported that Sweeties sold out all but two days the first two weeks of business and that customer traffic is steady, if not heavy on some days.

To keep up with the demand, Macfarlane has enlisted the help of local baker Alex Montero and rented a kitchen in the downtown area for quick restocks.

Sweeties currently offers shaved ice, ice cream and novelty candies alongside their baked goods, breads and loaves. Macfarlane is now taking orders for specialty cakes, including wedding, birthday and anniversary cakes, and is carrying pumpkin and lemon loaves in the store.

Sweeties is open from noon to 8 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays and can be reached at 530-370-1671.