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Our “Mama.”

We lost our beloved Stella over Christmas. She was 80.

To those that knew her, or to those who may have only had a single, simple interaction with her at the store, Stella epitomized grace. She was rarely, if ever, not dressed to the nines, her stately appearance in such contrast to the chaos and masking tape holding up her surroundings. The frenetic energy from the neighborhood outside and the wall coverings inside suddenly fell by the wayside once Stella brought things to a calming halt with her inviting, yet direct prompt: “Vhatdyuvant?” She was funny and mischievous, but she knew when to straighten her shoulders if warranted around tougher crowds. Kids almost always got an extra candy bar thrown in the bag with their order. Dogs were always spoiled with leftover treats, as well.

Count yourself lucky if you were the recipient of one of these tens of thousands of points of light she put out over the course of 5+ decades.

Luckiest of all was Ray, as she was as devoted a partner one could ask for, even if she never did say “I Do.” “She really was like a Mama to us.” Her tireless work behind the counter, whether it was preparing orders for customers, cleaning – always cleaning, or making Ray food for dinner so he could take his medications, seemed to know no bounds. When Ray was out of commission from surgery a decade ago, Stella stepped up and was there to keep the lights on. This loyalty and work ethic was appreciated and admired more than she could ever know. There is no better word to describe this connection between the two of them than “love.”

All the love in the world goes out to Stella’s sister, Maria, and her two brothers.

If you’re in the area, stop in to see Ray and Co. and enjoy an egg cream in Stella’s honor. Raise a toast to one of the greats.

The story of @RaysCandyStore can’t be told without Stella Soltowska.

To Stella: Dziękuję.

May Her Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.

📸: Photo by Whitney Browne Photography

The “Candy Store” book is THE Official Summer Read for 2025!!! Pick up a copy at a neighborhood bookstore near you (see map above) or order a copy on @canigetawhitney’s website (link in bio)!!!

The “Candy Store” book is THE Official Summer Read for 2025!!! Pick up a copy at a neighborhood bookstore near you (see map above) or order a copy on @canigetawhitney’s website (link in bio)!!!

The “Candy Store” book is THE Official Summer Read for 2025!!! Pick up a copy at a neighborhood bookstore near you (see map above) or order a copy on @canigetawhitney’s website (link in bio)!!!

The “Candy Store” book is THE Official Summer Read for 2025!!! Pick up a copy at a neighborhood bookstore near you (see map above) or order a copy on @canigetawhitney’s website (link in bio)!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO @SharonCrowley of @FOX5NY for this very sweet story on Ray and @RaysCandyStore as we celebrate 50 YEARS in business!!!

“Ray, what’s your secret?”

“Eat a lot of candy!”

🤣

Watch at link in bio!!!

#TrueYork

🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽

There are people who don’t just run a place - they are the place. Ray is one of those people. Since 1974 he’s been there for every kind of New Yorker - the artists, the night owls, the lost ones, the locals - always behind that counter, always showing up with love 🍦♥️

This one’s for Ray. A true East Village original🥤

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#rayscandystore #eastvillage #lowereastside #LEShistorymonth

There are people who don’t just run a place - they are the place. Ray is one of those people. Since 1974 he’s been there for every kind of New Yorker - the artists, the night owls, the lost ones, the locals - always behind that counter, always showing up with love 🍦♥️

This one’s for Ray. A true East Village original🥤

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.
.
.

#rayscandystore #eastvillage #lowereastside #LEShistorymonth

There are people who don’t just run a place - they are the place. Ray is one of those people. Since 1974 he’s been there for every kind of New Yorker - the artists, the night owls, the lost ones, the locals - always behind that counter, always showing up with love 🍦♥️

This one’s for Ray. A true East Village original🥤

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#rayscandystore #eastvillage #lowereastside #LEShistorymonth

Moms + Ray’s = ❤️

Happy Mother’s Day, Mamas!!!

📸: Photo via nonccchalant

NYC MEET AND GREET TOMORROW AT @rayscandystore 🍭🍬

Inviting all Oompas! Come to Ray’s Candy Store at 5:30 tomorrow to hang out and eat some sweets with me before my show at Webster Hall! I’ll be signing merch too :)

DETAILS:

DATE: May 9th (Saturday)
TIME: 5:30-6:30
LOCATION: Ray’s Candy Store
ADDRESS: 113 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Catch me at Webster Hall tomorrow night after the M&G. Bringing a STACKED support lineup ft Buku b2b Smith., Overeazy b2b Montycler, and Riddim NYC

There’s still a few tickets available… don’t miss out!

NYC MEET AND GREET TOMORROW AT @rayscandystore 🍭🍬

Inviting all Oompas! Come to Ray’s Candy Store at 5:30 tomorrow to hang out and eat some sweets with me before my show at Webster Hall! I’ll be signing merch too :)

DETAILS:

DATE: May 9th (Saturday)
TIME: 5:30-6:30
LOCATION: Ray’s Candy Store
ADDRESS: 113 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Catch me at Webster Hall tomorrow night after the M&G. Bringing a STACKED support lineup ft Buku b2b Smith., Overeazy b2b Montycler, and Riddim NYC

There’s still a few tickets available… don’t miss out!

NYC MEET AND GREET TOMORROW AT @rayscandystore 🍭🍬

Inviting all Oompas! Come to Ray’s Candy Store at 5:30 tomorrow to hang out and eat some sweets with me before my show at Webster Hall! I’ll be signing merch too :)

DETAILS:

DATE: May 9th (Saturday)
TIME: 5:30-6:30
LOCATION: Ray’s Candy Store
ADDRESS: 113 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Catch me at Webster Hall tomorrow night after the M&G. Bringing a STACKED support lineup ft Buku b2b Smith., Overeazy b2b Montycler, and Riddim NYC

There’s still a few tickets available… don’t miss out!

GAME TWO!!!

We’re calling it: Knicks win the series in 3. (Philly forfeits Game 4).

🎉 Come party at @RaysCandyStore!!!🗽

Retro Vibes & Late-Night Cravings in the East Village! 🍦
【Ray's Candy Store】

If you haven’t experienced the legendary magic of Ray's Candy Store, are you even doing NYC right? This iconic East Village staple is a total time capsule. I swung by for their famous Vanilla Egg Cream, and let me tell you—it’s pure nostalgia in a cup. Perfectly fizzy, creamy, and exactly what you need at 2 AM (or 2 PM, no judgment here!). There’s just something about the old-school grit and charm of this place that makes everything taste better. A true New York gem that everyone needs to visit at least once! 🗽🥤

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🏠️ Ray's Candy Store

📍 113 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

📕 Vanilla Egg Cream (Prices vary by size, approx. $5-$7)

⏰️ Open 24 Hours (Mon–Sun)

💤 Open Daily

#nyc #nycfood #nycrestaurant #instafood

@rayscandystore open 24 hours a day 7 days a week ❤️❤️❤️

113 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Spending this time with Ray really was special , this video meant a lot and I hope you all get a chance to visit ❤️ be patient with him and be kind. Much love

#nyc#manhattan #thingstodoinnyc

This day on the calendar is always a popular day here at @RaysCandyStore. Deep Fried Oreos, Beignets, ALL OF IT.

Come get some. Can’t decide? GET BOTH!!! OR MAYBE COMBINE BOTH WITH SOME ICE CREAM IF YOU WANT TO GET SERIOUS.

📸: Photos #1 and #2 by @barrioboyfood

📸: Photo #3 by @goodassfoodnyc

📸: Photo #4 by @kaienting

This day on the calendar is always a popular day here at @RaysCandyStore. Deep Fried Oreos, Beignets, ALL OF IT.

Come get some. Can’t decide? GET BOTH!!! OR MAYBE COMBINE BOTH WITH SOME ICE CREAM IF YOU WANT TO GET SERIOUS.

📸: Photos #1 and #2 by @barrioboyfood

📸: Photo #3 by @goodassfoodnyc

📸: Photo #4 by @kaienting

This day on the calendar is always a popular day here at @RaysCandyStore. Deep Fried Oreos, Beignets, ALL OF IT.

Come get some. Can’t decide? GET BOTH!!! OR MAYBE COMBINE BOTH WITH SOME ICE CREAM IF YOU WANT TO GET SERIOUS.

📸: Photos #1 and #2 by @barrioboyfood

📸: Photo #3 by @goodassfoodnyc

📸: Photo #4 by @kaienting

This day on the calendar is always a popular day here at @RaysCandyStore. Deep Fried Oreos, Beignets, ALL OF IT.

Come get some. Can’t decide? GET BOTH!!! OR MAYBE COMBINE BOTH WITH SOME ICE CREAM IF YOU WANT TO GET SERIOUS.

📸: Photos #1 and #2 by @barrioboyfood

📸: Photo #3 by @goodassfoodnyc

📸: Photo #4 by @kaienting

🍦YO! IT’S ABOUT THAT TIME!🍦

ICE CREAM WEATHER!!!

Make a break for @RaysCandyStore and COOL OFF!!!

📸: Photo via @carly.rubin

🫓 It’s the last day of Passover! Maybe you’d like to enjoy a beignet and fried Oreo combo from @RaysCandyStore?!? And wash it down with an egg cream?!?🥛

We got you...

📸: Photo via @dirtywaterhardseltzer