A Sweet Adventure: The Oodaalolly Story in Castle Shannon
Imagine a place where the aromatic blend of chocolate and the charm of a small Pennsylvanian town come together. This isn't the latest Hallmark movie; it's the story of how Oodaalolly, a unique West Coast chocolate company with ties to Pennsylvania, found a second home in Castle Shannon, a place where brick sidewalks lead to sweet endeavors.
Hernan and Jeremy, the dynamic duo behind Oodaalolly, had always envisioned their chocolate transcending boundaries. While Hernan managed operations in California, Jeremy, connected to Pennsylvania through his and his wife's family ties, oversaw production in the Keystone state. Their vision took a serendipitous turn when Jeremy, in search of a bakery, stumbled upon Anthos in Castle Shannon. The area's captivating allure planted the seed for a new venture.
Plans were almost set in motion in May when Jeremy found the perfect location for lease on Castle Shannon Boulevard. However, Oodaalolly's growing pains held him back. Understanding the need to focus on increasing production for the crucial Fall and Winter seasons, Jeremy made the tough decision to delay the opening of a retail location.
As fate would have it, August brought a new possibility. Cesar Valasco from the Shannon Sweet Stop, an ice cream parlor just across from Anthos, reached out. Jeremy, still swamped with production, filed this away as a future opportunity.
Come October, with production stabilized, Jeremy rekindled his Castle Shannon dream. After discussions with Cesar, he saw the potential for a holiday-themed Oodaalolly shop. It was a perfect fit — an opportunity to learn and bring Oodaalolly to an entirely new audience.
November brought a new challenge as Jeremy fell ill, delaying the setup of the new shop. However, he used this time to meticulously plan every detail, from the display of chocolates to the color scheme, ensuring that Oodaalolly's fun tropical charm would shine brightly.
Armed with a clear vision, Jeremy embarked on a whirlwind of preparations. Numerous trips to IKEA, precise wallpaper measurements, and a little help from friends and family led to the grand opening of Oodaalolly at the Shannon Sweet Stop on December 2nd.
Nestled in a picturesque location opposite Anthos and surrounded by other quaint shops, Oodaalolly's new outpost in Castle Shannon was not just a business venture; it was a fun way to become part of the community. The warm welcome from locals and the festive ambiance of the area blended perfectly with the ethos of Oodaalolly. This was not just a story of a chocolate shop, but a tale of dreams, determination, and working towards a goal — and hopefully the sweet taste of success.
In Castle Shannon, a little piece of Oodaalolly thrives, bringing with it the rich flavors of the Philippines and the entrepreneurial spirit that’s been part of Oodaalolly since its inception. It's a testament to the allure of small-town charm and the enduring appeal of chocolate.
📍 Find us at:
3776 Willow Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15234
🕑 Hours:
Wednesday — Saturday
11 AM — 3 PM