M&J Gourmet (previously Gardners Candies), opened its doors to the Upper Perkiomen Valley community and beyond on June 9, 2015. Since this time, owners Katie Tosco and Kirstin Nice have been working hard to supply customers, friends and family with the same products they love, while adding their own creative spin to product offerings and store design.

                When asked about the business focus, Kirstin conveyed that "our aim is to continue offering high quality gourmet foods, like jams, dips, snacks, sauces, and baking mixes, candy, chocolate, coffee, tea, and more, with a focus on presentation via beautiful gift baskets, bags, and truffle and chocolate trays." Katie commented that, "Kirstin and I love to cook and are very conscious of ingredients. We aim to offer healthy, natural products, like we use at home, in addition to the delicious sweets we sell."

                Kirstin and Katie are both interested in supporting local businesses and community, and center on finding and selling local products, with a preference for family run, small businesses. In particular, they now sell Speakeasy Coffee, roasted in Pennsburg, Mojo's Pop Co Toffee Popcorn, handmade in Philadelphia, and Meadowbrooke Gourds, beautiful handmade gourds grown and crafted into decorations in Carlisle. Much of the chocolate they sell is made in PA, including Gardners and Asher's.

                M&J Gourmet will be celebrating their opening at an Open House on Saturday October 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Open House will feature food and drink product sampling (free food!), games, raffles, prizes, and kid's activities, including pumpkin painting. Katie and Kirstin welcome anyone who wants to check out their store to join them at this open house. They truly look forward to meeting you!

                The open house will take place at their store, located at 1267 Quakertown Ave, Pennsburg. If you have questions, please call their store at 215-679-8650.