When Tay and Colin opened FD Candy on July 20, 2024, they had no idea just how quickly their little shop would blossom into one of Pahrump’s most beloved community spots. In just one year, their candy business has grown far beyond their original expectations, thanks to overwhelming local support, creative flair, and a shared passion for giving back. Over the past year, their vision has grown to include a second venture, Death Valley Soda Shop, which now shares the same space. Together, the two businesses operate under one ownership and management umbrella, offering customers the best of both worlds — hundreds of freeze-dried candy varieties alongside soft serve, slushies, milkshakes, and more. What began as a small candy shop has transformed into a dual-concept destination where the community can indulge, connect, and give back.
Looking back, Colin described the first year as “amazing.” What started as a small venture with freeze-dried candy has expanded into a full shop that now offers specially crafted sodas, soft serve ice cream, slushies, cotton candy, popcorn, and even hot treats like churros, pretzels, and mini pancakes. The couple also redesigned their layout to be more welcoming, adding a service window where customers can watch candy being made and interact with the process. Though space remains limited, the shop has become a social hub where people linger to chat while enjoying a sweet treat. Colin laughed that they already feel like they’ve outgrown the building and are considering bigger possibilities after year two.
One of their most creative ideas—and something that has become a community obsession—is their tokens, affectionately called “Wooden Nickels.” Originally introduced as a unique twist on traditional gift certificates, the Wooden Nickels are stamped with the FD Candy logo and feature messages ranging from a free candy to the coveted prize of free candy for a year. So far, six lucky winners hold that golden ticket. The wooden nickels began as a way to spread awareness of the business, but they quickly evolved into a community-wide treasure hunt. The Wooden Nickels are hidden in public places with either riddles or obscure photos as clues, and they’ve created a frenzy of fun around town. Families and friends race to find them, often competing for bragging rights.
The game has grown so popular that FD Candy now partners with organizations like the library and museum to encourage people to visit places they may not normally go. In some cases, they’ve even created personalized hunts for families with special needs, making the experience inclusive for all. Winners are sometimes invited to re-hide the token, adding another layer of community involvement. Colin joked that they can’t go out to dinner anymore without someone asking if “the game is afoot.” They’ve also upped the stakes with occasional cash prizes, once allowing a winner to double their prize as a donation to the Cub Scouts, which turned into a generous contribution for the group. For Colin and Tay, the Wooden Nickel game embodies what they believe every town needs: fun, connection, and joy.
That philosophy extends into their weekly “Slush Fund Saturdays.” Community giving is at the core of FD Candy’s mission. Every Saturday, the shop hosts “Slush Fund Saturdays,” dedicating proceeds from slushie sales and tips (for those who want to give more without purchasing additional slushes) to a local cause or family in need. The fundraiser for Danny Sanchez, a local youth recovering from severe burn injuries, brought in $567. Their next Slush Fund Saturday, on August 23, 2025, will benefit the Pahrump Valley High School Cross Country Team. What makes these fundraisers special is that Colin and Tay provide everything—the supplies, the staff, the venue—so that every dollar raised goes directly to the cause. Customers can simply enjoy a treat while knowing their purchase is making a difference. “It’s almost a no-brainer,” Colin said. “Instead of a GoFundMe link where a percentage is taken, you get something sweet and 100 percent of the money goes to the people who need it.”
The community’s response has been heartwarming. Colin recalled how people turned out for Danny’s fundraiser, from his teachers and principal to his friends and family, each sharing their own stories while contributing. “It restores my faith in humanity every single time,” he said. “I get to see firsthand how much people care.”
FD Candy and Death Valley Soda Shop have also become known for pushing the limits on flavor and creativity. Colin estimates they now offer close to 200 different freeze-dried options, making their selection one of the largest in Nevada and surrounding states. They cater to all major allergens, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy. Colin’s personal favorite? Homemade Gushers, which he admits he first made just for himself. Now, they’re one of the shop’s top sellers, with up to 30 pounds flying off the shelves each day alongside viral favorites like TikTok pickle kits and custom sour candies. Pickle lovers in particular have found a haven at FD Candy. The shop stocks pickle taffy, pickle Skittles, pickle drinks, and even pickle slushies, plus about 15 different flavored pickle pouches. Colin said with a grin that when it comes to pickles and cinnamon candies, customers’ loyalty runs deep, and he’s happy to keep those fans coming back.
Even more exciting, Colin and Tay are preparing to expand their drink menu in a big way. Within the next 30 days, FD Candy and Death Valley Soda Shop will unveil equipment that allows them to serve 60 individual flavors of soft serve, 60 flavors of milkshakes, and 60 flavors of slushies. Customers will also be able to combine flavors across the menu, creating endless possible combinations. For Colin and Tay, it’s about giving people more reasons to smile and experiment while making their shop even more of a destination.
The success of FD Candy isn’t limited to Pahrump. Their reach has spread quickly with products sold at Death Valley National Park resorts, all three Coyote Corners, P-Town Smoke, Boss Babe and 372 Liquor Store. In Las Vegas, their candy is carried at Blazey Jane on Sahara, Mr. D’s in Henderson, Container Park on Fremont Street, and Las Vegas Kettle Corn and Events on Water Street in Henderson. Their wholesale distribution has expanded to Lake Havasu and more locations are in the works, including discussions with Chumlee’s candy shop from the TV show Pawn Stars. Colin explained that while their business model originally focused on wholesale and events, the physical shop and local community support have given the business an unexpected but welcome boost.
Looking ahead, Colin and Tay are excited to continue growing while keeping their focus on community, fun, and flavor. Whether it’s Dole Soft Serve for those seeking a dairy-free option, mini pancakes for a warm snack, or the thrill of a treasure hunt for free candy, FD Candy is proving that sweets can be more than a treat—they can bring a town together.
