Novelty Candy Shop and Cereal Bar in Beverly Shows The Sweeter Side of Living in Chicago.

By: Erica Faye Watson

Qiana Allen is an African-American, Chicago based entrepreneur who’s extremely popular plus size clothing boutique “Culture’s Closet” located in Beverly was hit hard by looters during the George Floyd protests that rocked the city earlier this spring. She almost lost it all, and even contemplated not moving forward with her new business idea. But instead of giving up, Qiana has decided to launch a new enterprise that will make her community feel a little sweeter. In August 2020, Qiana launched “Munchiez”, a novelty candy store and cereal bar located in the historical Beverly area of Chicago. This black woman owned, family based business will bring fun, innovative and tasty treats to the south side of Chicago. The beautiful space will attract tourists and localists from the Northside or Loop area to venture out to the Southside where there aren’t many options for families to enjoy a place like this.

You are a very successful entrepreneur in the plus fashion industry, and now you and your 2 sons are embarking on a sweet journey to bring something cool and innovative to the Southside of Chicago. Tell us all about Munchiez.

Munchiez is a Novelty Candy Store and Cereal Bar in the Beverly are here in Chicago. It’s a place where kids can come to create memories with a little something sweet and adults can reminisce on their own childhood. Munchiez is a new business venture that I’ve started with my boys and what better way to teach them how to become entrepreneurs than with a business that has all the things they love, cereal and candy.

Munchiez motto is ‘The Place where Childhood lasts Forever’. What are some of the special touches that you added that will make it a special place for kids and adults alike?

Here at Munchiez it’s important that we incorporate the old school and new school. We make sure that we offer items from Chic-O-Sticks to Pickles with Peppermints to Sour Punches to Chips like Hot Takis. Having these options is how we can live up to our tag line The Place where childhood lasts Forever.

Your plus size clothing store that is also in Beverly suffered a great deal at the hands of looters. Surprisingly while many entrepreneurs are losing their businesses, you are starting a new one. Where do you find the strength and confidence to keep pushing forward during all of this uncertainty?

My strength comes from my boys. I strive daily to make sure they have a great example of how to create your own lane and dominate it. I’ve never wanted to be anything other than an entrepreneur so I work hard to make sure I’m living up to my own expectations in that area. In life we all deal with obstacles and how we over come those options determines how successful you’ll be in entrepreneurship. We’ve survived and thrived through a pandemic and looting and it’s my goal to make sure we handle things that come our way with grace and perseverance.

The Munchiez menu is AMAZING!!!! From Loaded Milkshakes, to walking tacos and jumbo bowls of cereal! What are some of your favorite items?

Some of my favorite items are the sour cherries the walking tacos and the loaded milkshakes and most of our customers agree because these are also out top sellers right now.

Your space is beautiful! Will you be hosting special events in the space? Is it available for rental?

We are definitely gearing up to host events at our space one of which is Munchiez after dark for adults and Karaoke for all. We do host birthday parties and more as well.

How can Chicagoans support you and Munchiez?

People can support us by visiting our store at 1803 W 95th St Chicago, Il. Follow us on Instagram @munchiez_ store and Facebook @Munchiez. Website coming soon.