Vintage Finds & Sweet Treats: Exploring Hollywood Candy in The Old Market

Hollywood Candy in Omaha, NE is an iconic candy and variety shop in the Old Market. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or a local looking for something different to do, it’s a go-to spot to wander the aisles for endless items – from old school Pez dispensers, to vinyl’s, to pinball machines. Located on 1209 Jackson St, you’re greeted by an old school marquee whose flashing light bulbs pull you into a wave of nostalgia.

What Can You Find?

Amongst the aisles of nostalgic candies, you really can’t predict what you will find at Hollywood Candy. For vinyl collectors, there is a vinyl shop located in the heart of the store stacked with over 40,000 albums. Speaking from personal experiences, it’s a hot spot for an aesthetic photo shoot. Take a trip down memory lane where you can find vintage barbies, themed metal lunch boxes, baseball cards and much, much more. The entire store is a collection treasure box full of items from various vendors. Music lovers, sports fans, gamers, and foodies all around can find something special to take home.

A go-to spot at Hollywood Candy is the Hollywood Diner. Designed like a 1950’s movie, you are instantly transported back to the days of checkered floors and red leather bar stools. The Hollywood Diner offers an “American Dream” inspired menu including burgers, hot dogs, soft pretzels, milk shakes and over 150 flavors of soda. Have a romantic date at the counter or sit with your family in the booths while listening to music from a jukebox. Either way, be prepared to feel like you’ve stepped into Grease (1978).

Dungeon of the Damned

During Spooky Season, Hollywood Candy hosts “Dungeon of the Damned” a haunted house located in the basement of Hollywood candy. Anyone over 16 years of age can apply to volunteer at this terrifyingly exciting pop-up establishment. Apply to be a crew member or an actor… working seasons begin at the end of September. Even during the off season, don’t be too spooked if he see a (fake) decapitated head sitting in the window.

While you’re waiting in line to be scared, you can keep warm with a Dungeon Dog from the Dungeon of the Damned food truck. Pick from 5 different flavors of hot dogs including a flaming hot Cheeto dusted dog (The Cheese-A-Ning) or a taco inspired dog (Texas Hotdog Massacre).

History and Famous Faces

Hollywood Candy has been welcoming guests since the spring of 2007. Larry Richling, from the Larry Richling’s Keystone Group, was the proud founder and store owner until he passed in 2022. Larry Richling’s Keystone Group was the company behind three nostalgic Hollywood Diner restaurants which eventually developed into a retail store. Hollywood Candy was originally supposed to be an office space for his company, but he decided to utilize the space for a retail store instead as a way for creating a community around Old Hollywood and nostalgia.

In the Summer of 2024, they had their liquor license approved so those of drinking ages can enjoy alcohol infused frozen drinks!

Numerous famous faces have journeyed through Hollywood Candy’s “walk of fame” including singers like Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, film director Alexander Payne, and Ghost Adventures television host Zak Bagans. In 2018 Bill Gates and Warren Buffet took a trip down memory lane while visiting Hollywood Candy.

Final Thoughts

You can spend an entire day at Hollywood Candy. Whether you’re browsing the aisles with friends or spending the day with your children, there is no shortage of entertainment. Hollywood Candy also includes a vintage-style movie theatre in which you can rent out for private parties and a 1980s style arcade equipped with over 60 different pinball machines. Hollywood Candy is both an entertaining and educational destination that offers a glimpse into life in decades past, adding to the charm and character that make Omaha so unique. Check it out the next time you’re in the Old Market!