LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA — A beloved downtown Lafayette candy shop is cleaning up after an early-morning break-in that left its front door smashed and its safe torn out, but the owners are keeping the lights on and the candy bins full.
Zoonie’s candy in downtown Lafayette, California was reportedly robbed on Sunday morning. We drove by today and confirmed that the front door is boarded up with plywood as of Monday morning, but the store remains open.
That’s right: the Criminal Element is breaking into candy stores now.
Zoonie’s sits at 3591 Mt. Diablo Blvd., in the heart of downtown Lafayette’s small-business corridor, and is known for its bright blue storefront, gelato case, retro candy selection, and bins of bulk sweets that feel like something out of a kid’s daydream.
We said it feels like it was designed by an exuberant 4 year old, and we stand by that.
The store has deep roots in the community. It began life as Powell’s Sweet Shoppe before evolving into Zoonie’s under new ownership, and over the years it has become a go-to stop for birthday goodies, post-soccer treats, and nostalgic candy hunts.
Zoonie’s also regularly participates in local events like the Lafayette Artisan Walk, where the shop has been featured as one of the “anchor” businesses encouraging residents to shop local.
Now, that familiar storefront is covered in plywood — another visible sign of a crime trend that has hit multiple Lamorinda and Walnut Creek businesses in recent weeks.
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Lafayette’s Panache Cafe was robbed in a frightening early-morning incident where the owner hid inside while a group of burglars ransacked the shop and stole a safe. We reported on that break-in and the community efforts to help with recovery.
Multiple businesses in WC were also hit.
Police haven’t released details about the Zoonie’s burglary yet. Please stop by and grab some tasty sweets to support this local business as they recover.
