Tessy’s Sweets and Treats is officially open for business on North Broadway. The Stanley Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Small Business Saturday.
“I’m here to welcome Tessy’s Sweets and Treats,” Stanley Area Chamber President Ron Haas said.
“What a nice addition to Broadway. I walk up and I’m impressed. I walk in and I’m more impressed.” With popcorn, ice cream, dirty sodas, coffee, espresso, and nostalgic candy among offerings, Tessy’s Sweets and Treats has something for everyone.
Former Stanley mayor David Jankoski also spoke Saturday.
“I would echo what Ron said,” Jankoski shared. “In terms of the facade of the building it’s beautiful. It’s a great addition to main street. And I especially think when you think of what has happened in Stanley over the last 10 to 15 years. We have destination businesses. There’s more to come to Stanley for now, and I think that’s a great addition to the entire business community, because whenever you bring people in, you’re going to have people that are visiting other businesses.”
Stanley Area Treasurer Debbie Haas also spoke.
“On behalf of the Stanley Area Chamber of Commerce we’d like to give you this plant,” she said as she handed a plant in a planter to Tessy’s Sweets and Treats owner Theresa Pries. “Watch it grow as your business grows. We are so very proud of you and welcome to Stanley. So with that everybody knows Tessy.”
Pries then shared a little on what Tessy’s Sweets and Treats was about and how it came
“I had so much to say and kind of wanted to put it in order,” she said. A graduate of Stanley-Boyd in the mid-1990s, Pries grew up at the Stanley Movie Theater, where popcorn is a big deal.
“Popcorn is this amazing scientific phenomenon that with the right temperature, conditions, and care, explodes into our hearts,” she said. “Popcorn is something that transcends all ages, colors, and cultures. It is almost its own language of joy, without saying a word.”
Pries said she competed with her siblings in high school on whose popcorn was the best at the theater.
“We still do,” she said.” Going on to found Tessy’s Popcorn on Small Business Saturday in 2015 after buying popcorn equipment at a movie theater trade show on encouragement from Connie Olson of Micon, Pries went on to build a popcorn business. Included for recognition among loyal workers for Tessy’s Popcorn were Lexi Simon Hannah Hause, and Lexi Kroeplin. Pries expanded to a food trailer five years ago, with Tessy’s Sweets and Treats on North Broadway the latest expansion.
Coming in for thanks in helping with the endeavor were Joe and Jen Winger and family of Winger Construction, Dean Schneider, Easton Walters Zeke Sigmund, and Debbie Haas, as well as Zach Nitz or Nitz and Sons Plumbing. Ron Duncan of Ron’s Signs was also recognized as helping in the vision.
Not to be left out was family, including husband Daryl and children Vinny, Gigi, Marci, and Lucy Pries.
“To my children. There are no words to express how proud I am of you to watch you grow in business with me,” Pries said. “My hope is to give you chances to grow in experiences that will make you a good citizens in whatever community you end up in. I take pride in your accomplishments through Tessys like creating new flavors, taking orders, making change, cleaning, stocking and all in the most harsh environments of heat, rain, wind, and cold. My hope is for you to learn that hard work pays off if you put in the time. Like today I love you and hope that you compete against your siblings for who makes the best popcorn too!
“To my hubby. I know that when I come home with a new idea you are the realist behind the dreamer. You are the worry behind the financial risk. You are the support with the family when I can’t be there. However, I know that through it all I have the best husband to anchor me when the times are rough and joyful. Thank you!”
Now on North Broadway, Tessy’s Sweets and Treats is open for business.