Welcome back to another edition of “Eat Live Love San Fernando Valley” to visit a nostalgic, hip, locally-owned candy store. We’re at AusSam Candy in Granada Hills to hear their story and eat some of their sweet treats.
AusSam comes from the names of the two owners, Austin and Sam. They wanted a neighborhood business where families could come, enjoy themselves, and eat some yummy candy. They were both born and raised in Granada Hills and took their passion for sweets and made a business out of it. Sam actually used to be Austin’s babysitter, but now they’re business partners!
Austin and Sam decided to start their business in 2018. At the time, they had the name, concept, and products, but not the brand. This is when they reached out for some additional help:
“We reached out to IntersectLA (formerly Viscom) at California State University, Northridge. They are a graphic design/marketing agency within the university. There we worked with two professors and a team of students to create our brand identity. This is where we got our AusSam logo and tagline “Live Life to the Sweetest.” They also helped create the artwork for our wallpaper, windows, selfie wall, freezers, bags, stickers and swag. Our partnership with CSUN is very special to us,” said Sam in a recent interview with Voyage LA.
They want everyone who walks through the door to feel like a kid in a candy store, whether they’re three years old or 90 years old.
“In addition to all the candy, they also have specialty sodas and ice creams.”
The way they sell their bulk candy is unique. There are two sizes, a $6 bag and an $8 bag. They don’t weigh it; you can just mix and match anything from their jars and fill up the bag all the way to the top. Their candy selection is worldwide. There are candies from Australia, Mexico, Japan, and more. They even have Tik Tok candy.
They also sell some delicious ice creams and sodas. The ice cream is made locally by Nitropod. It’s flash-frozen ice cream that’s really creamy with an organic base. He even made special candy flavors for AusSam candy! The soda selection is incredible as well. Ramune, Jones Soda, and more fill the shelves of their cooler.
At 4:05, you’ll see me try a milk chocolate bar that is filled with popping candy. It’s a really unique sensation and really fun to eat. If you’re looking for a place where you can feel like a kid again, head on over to AusSam Candy in Granada Hills, just east of Zelzah Ave.
If you have any recommendations for businesses I should visit in future episodes, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
