ALLENTOWN: One-stop shop for candy, bicycles and concerts

By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
   When Bruno’s Bicycles moved to Main Street in Allentown from Globus Plaza in September it brought two unique things to the downtown scene — a companion chocolate store called One Sweet Ride and concerts.
   The chocolate shop, which is run by owner Jim Bruno’s daughter, Heather, features 12 different flavors of homemade fudge, homemade chocolate covered pretzels, novelty and old-fashioned candy such as waxed lips, coffee, lattes and a smoothie bar.
   One Sweet Ride is also filled with handmade gifts such as baskets made completely of chocolate and favors for any occasion.
   Mr. Bruno modeled the candy store after one he remembers visiting as a kid.
   ”We’re trying to make it a destination area for cyclists,” Mr. Bruno said.
   Bruno’s Bicycles offers Trek and Electra bikes. The shop provides both sales and service. Group rides are also held weekly, which start and end at the shop.
   The first Friday of every month, Mr. Bruno opens the back door of the store and invites guests to bring lawn chairs and blankets into the yard for “Artist on the Avenue.”
   ”We have local musicians from the area come out and play,” he said. “It’s a free event. It is held behind our store in the summer time and inside through the winter months. It normally draws a good crowd of people from 7- 10 p.m.”
   Local businesses donate gifts that are raffled off during the concerts.
   ”We had record attendance last month,” Mr. Bruno said. “Our mission is to get people out and to get them to start shopping local.”
   The next concert will take place Aug. 1 and will feature the band “Tangled.”
   The shop is open Monday through Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
   For more information, visit http://brunosbicycles.com/one_sweet_ride_candy or call 609-208-0544.