The past few weeks have been some “rocky roads” for Joanne Nucci and her daughter Lexi, but for the most part it has been a new adventure for them.

The Nucci family purchased Sweet Retreat on July 1. After three weeks of remodeling and redesigning the space, they opened the doors for business. The biggest change is not the new wall colors or flooring, but the name Nucci’s Sugar Shop creates a whole new store.

“We are having a great time and I love working with my daughter,” Joanne said.

A senior at Oconee County High School enrolled in an interior design class, Lexi lucked out when she got to design her family’s new business. She has a big part in helping her mother with running the shop.

“It’s been very fun,” Lexi said. “It’s been fun learning how to run a business with my family – it is a valuable experience.”

Joanne said she is a realtor by trade, but with the poor economy, she felt it was time to forge a new path and invest in a family business.

Joanne said they wanted to bring a fine quality of service and product to Watkinsville while keeping the small town charm.

“We want to have that small town feel and represent what Watkinsville is like – we always have smiles on our faces,” said Joanne. 

Joanne said her husband Ed, who is a chef at the Ritz Carlton at Lake Oconee, is always on the look out for new products and ways to promote the store.

Nucci’s Sugar Shop will host its Grand Opening on Saturday, Aug. 21 from noon to 10 p.m.

There will be balloons, face painting, and other activities for kids. Shaved ice is featured at half price from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Any birthday parties that are booked during the celebration will receive 15 percent off. There will also be raffle prizes drawn every hour, but you do not have to be present to win. Prizes include gift certificates and novelty items in the store. 

Joanne plans to make ice cream cakes and pies for people to come in and purchase on the spot. She is also adding gift baskets and mugs, as well as candies and various ice cream themed novelty items.

Joanne also plans to expand the ice cream catering business that the store does. She hopes to travel to weddings, anniversaries, church youth groups and other similar functions with ice cream and toppings.

Birthday party packages are also available at Nucci’s Sugar Shop. Packages include an ice cream sundae bar and custom made party favors. A party attendant will assist the children with ice cream and crafts.

Joanne and Lexi love meeting new people and putting smiles on their customers’ faces.

“I love seeing smiles on the kids faces and making their day,” said Joanne “I also love when someone who is having a bad day comes in and we get to be a part of what makes their day better.”

Nucci’s Sugar Shop is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 2 to 9 p.m. For more information or to book a party, visit the store or call 706-769-9306.

Katie Tavernier is a reporter for The Oconee Leader. She can be reached at 706-310-1104 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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