Powell's Chico

Our Story

We are Nancy and  Hal Carlson, proprietors of the Powell's Sweet Shoppe in Chico, California!  We first fell in love with Powell's when the original store opened in our then hometown of Windsor, California. As frequent customers, we watched Powell's flourish and grow into a unique destination spot in Sonoma County.  

After a 25-year career in the agricultural business, we were looking for a change of pace.  Powell's seemed like a sweet opportunity and Chico the perfect fit.  Chico features a bustling downtown with a wonderful "Main Street USA" feel. We are both Chico State Alumni and our daughters, Kristin and Nikki, recently graduated from Chico State.  In addition, Hal is a fifth generation Chico native.

In 2006, we began our journey of finding a suitable location for a new Powell's Sweet Shoppe in Chico. In early 2007, we discovered a fantastic location on Third Street between Main and Broadway. Coincidentally, the new Powell's location is next to the exact spot where Hal's father began his longtime career as a jeweler at Bedford's.

We soon began renovating the distinctive brick-walled building, which was a perfect fit for the charming atmosphere of Powell's. After months of hard work, we welcomed our first visitors to Powell's Sweet Shoppe in Chico on July 4, 2007.  The store opening was a special, patriotic day filled with joy, satisfaction, and lots of new friends!

Today you will find Nancy and our daughter Kristin at the store almost every day of the week. Hal works at Powell's on Saturdays and Sundays, which are his days off from his "regular" job.  The Carlson Family and the entire Powell's staff look forward to meeting you and sharing the fun and memorable Powell's Sweet Shoppe experience!

Nancy and  Hal Carlson
Proprietors