New owners revitalize Buchanan sweet shop

BUCHANAN, Mich. — A new Buchanan business is an ode to the city’s passed – while modernizing to help revitalize its downtown that is much in need of dining options. 

“We grew up with 100% Italian grandparents, eating a lot of Italian food; We wanted to provide a fast, casual dining experience and something we can give back to the community because I know they waited a long time for us to open,” said Joseph & Harrison Paolucci-Hitchcock, Sweet Shop Italiano employees.

Joe and Harrison are not only twin brothers, but their dad’s are new owners.

They all remember spending time at the Sweet Shop before it closed a decade ago.   

“I remember coming here and asking for the same thing, two scoops of Blue Moon with sprinkles and cookie pieces, it’s nice to be able to do it for other people now.”  

While downtown Buchanan has come alive in recent years – with artisan shops and its booming cannabis business moving in – one thing that’s been lacking is dining options.

The Paolucci-Hitchcock family is hoping their shop encourages people to stick around and experience Buchanan.  

“The options for hot food before 4 o’clock were pretty limited, I feel like we’re filling a role that people have asked about.”  

Sweet Shop Café Italiano has a little bit of everything – hot and cold sandwiches, pizza, candy and of course gelato.