Sweet Success: Maya & Rami Hawari On 10 Years Of The Candy Room (Win!)

Vancouver’s ultimate sugar destination is officially leveling up. To mark a decade on Robson Street, The Candy Room co-owners Maya and Rami Hawari are unveiling a full-scale renovation of their flagship location, complete with custom murals and a dedicated “New and Trending” zone for those viral TikTok treats.

We caught up with the husband-and-wife duo to discuss their three-generation candy heritage and how they’ve curated B.C.’s largest collection of exotic sweets—from Australian Cadbury Clinkers to Japanese snacks. Whether you are a fan of nostalgic bulk buys or global limited editions, Maya and Rami are proving that staying “trend-forward” is the secret to a decade of sweetness in the West End. —Noa Nichol

With a heritage spanning three generations in the candy industry, sweets clearly run in the family. How has your shared family history influenced the way you’ve grown The Candy Room over the last decade in Vancouver?

Candy is in our DNA. Growing up in the industry taught us that candy isn’t just a product; it’s an experience. That mindset shaped The Candy Room into a destination where nostalgia meets discovery.

With thousands of candy and snack items, including more than 400 bulk candy selections from around the world, what is one hidden gem every Vancouverite should try?

One of the biggest hidden gems is Gupperz, the juice-filled gummies that have become a global sensation. Their new Strawberry Shortcake collaboration is next level—a treat people try once and immediately come back for.

From KFC-inspired jelly beans to TikTok viral candy, how do you stay ahead of trends?

We treat candy like fashion, and trends move fast. A great example is the original Cadbury Clinkers from Australia; they went viral online, and we were the first candy store to bring them to Vancouver. When a candy trend breaks, we want Vancouver to find it here first.

The renovation aims to feel “nostalgic yet current.” What excited you most about redesigning the store?

The most exciting part was reimagining how people experience candy. We wanted customers to step into a candy dream, with interactive, visually playful displays, vibrant murals, and brighter lighting that make exploring the store a joy for every visitor.

Running a business as a married couple for ten years is impressive. What’s the secret?

Trust and teamwork. We each bring different strengths, and that balance keeps everything moving. At the end of the day, we’re building something we both love.

Looking ahead to the grand re-opening on March 20 and the next decade, what is your biggest dream for The Candy Room?

Our dream is to keep evolving while remaining Vancouver’s ultimate candy destination. We want to continue surprising people with new flavors, global trends, and unforgettable experiences. We’re also thrilled to launch CandyRoom.ca, which will allow candy lovers to order their favorites from anywhere, bringing The Candy Room experience far beyond Robson Street as we celebrate our grand re-opening.

Win! A $100 Gift Card From The Candy Room!

Congrats Samantha T. of Vancouver, BC, who will receive a $100 Gift Card From The Candy Room! Winner must be able to pick up GC from The Candy Room and use it for in-store shopping only. Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding. Full contest rules/regulations here.