In April 2021, the Cocoa Save A Lot was forced to close its doors. Being one of two grocery stores along the Dixon Blvd. corridor to close within that same month, the City of Cocoa jumped into action to work with the owners of the Save A Lot store to keep them providing an integral
staple of nutritious food for our community. With the partnership in place and partnerships with other Cocoa businesses as well, this beloved store was able to reopen for business on May 26, 2021.
Michael Medearis, owner of the Cocoa store, started with Save A Lot as a Warehouse Manager, progressing through the company to Division Manager of the Southeast of the United States. He knew the grocery business and wanted to manage all aspects by buying a few stores for himself. In May of 2008, he made this happen by buying the Cocoa and Melbourne stores. Throughout the years, Michael has mentored his sons with all of his expertise. Mark Medearis, one of Michael’s son's, is an integral part of the Save A Lot in Cocoa.
Both Michael and Mark are pleased to be able to reopen and provide needed products to the community. Micheal Medearis points out, “many of the customers have been shopping at Save A Lot since I took over ownership in 2008.” Mark Medearis also adds that, “Our customers like a great deal and they keep coming back because we try to tailor our products to their needs.”
Victor Corado, Save A Lot Butcher Apprentice, has been working at the store for two years and is part of the local staff that was so grateful to be able to return to their jobs. Victor is proud to be reopening, “I hope this turns out well because these customers need the store in this location.”
The store reopening has been made possible by the work of many in the community. The Celebration Tabernacle Church owns the plaza and was very instrumental in notifying the City of the need for the store. They have been gracious with the financial constraints of Save A Lot
and by working together, hope that Save A Lot is here for years to come. Dittmer Air and Heat, another Cocoa Company, worked diligently to provide HVAC and refrigeration services needed to open Save A Lot. Jessica Dittmer, Sales Manager with Dittmer Air and Heat, was glad they could help and wish the store the best because as a local company made up of Cocoa residents they understand its importance.
As citizens of Cocoa, we are all part of the future success of Save A Lot. City Council started this project with much needed support and funding. Save A Lot rose to the challenge, businesses like Celebration Tabernacle Church and Dittmer Air and Heat were instrumental in the execution, and now it is up to all of us to keep this community store thriving in our community.

Are you more of a chocolate person, or do you prefer gummies? How about a mix of hard candies, or truffles, or fudge? Whatever your candy preference, you are bound to
find a match among the diverse selection of confectionaries at Candy Affair Candy Boutique. Local residents, Erica and Nelson Ross, opened this cheerful shop where colorful retro and new
candies appeal as much to adults as children.

Do not be fooled by its relatively compact size; you can spend time perusing the sweets in this candy boutique. This fun shop is located at 218 Brevard Ave, tucked into a street level shop in
the Bel Air Courtyard in Cocoa Village, right next door to Café Margaux. The owners have carefully selected gourmet confections to please a variety of palates. With a big smile,
Erica explains, “that some of their best sellers are the large gummy bears on a stick, the chocolate covered potato chips and the kids novelty candy.” Yes, with old-fashioned
confections like candy buttons, Clark Bars and wax lips chewing gum the store is sure to kick up a burst of childhood nostalgia.

“What a fun place to take kids!” said one of their five star reviewers. The seemingly endless assortment of fresh colorful bulk sweets create an intoxicating scent in the Candy Affair
while providing endless options for children to mix the perfect bag to go.

Erica and Nelson also provide candy and candy buffets for parties, weddings and events. The options are endless; as they carry, candy cigars for that baby reveal party or platters of
truffles for any soiree.

The Candy Affair Candy Boutique is an excellent choice for all ages regardless of your preference for sweets! Visit Erica and Nelson at 218 Brevard Ave, between 11 AM and 8 PM Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 11 AM to 6 PM.

Visit the Candy Affair Candy Boutique website, Facebook page, or give them a call at 321-543-0504.

Walking into Krispy Krunchy Chicken, you are immediately met with the savory scent of comfort food, from collard greens and macaroni and cheese to fried chicken and more, there is something for everyone on the extensive menu. The restaurant started as a dream on a goals bulletin board and four years later became a reality for Antonio and Tonya Love??
in 2013.
Over the last seven years, the Lovetts have developed a loyal following for the restaurant and assembled a staff that shares their love for the community. Antonio spends most of his time
at the restaurant, Tonya explains, “my husband works morning to evening, from nine in the morning to eleven o'clock at night, so we don't get much family time,” which is why the Lovetts
have come to think of all their loyal customers and staff as an extension of their family.
When COVID19 hit in the spring of 2020, the Lovetts had to make some changes to their services, adding delivery options like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash to their offerings. In
addition, installing a drive-thru window for those unwilling or unable to come into the restaurant has helped to diversify dining choices for their customers.
After encountering the Krispy Krunchy Chicken franchise on a trip to South Florida over ten years ago, Antonio got the idea to open his own. After four years of planning, this dream now
looks like the successful establishment located on Dixon Blvd. The restaurant is open from 5 am until 11 pm every day, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options. He hopes to continue growing his business by opening more locations in Brevard County.
If you're in the area, stop by Krispy Krunchy Chicken for a bite and great conversation. You may even catch a dancing chicken showing off her best moves promoting the business. If you
enjoy the Cajun flavor of the fare, you can even purchase your own seasoning to flavor your home cooking. You can visit the Lovetts at Krispy Krunchy Chicken located at 934 Dixon Blvd. in Cocoa.