[Editor's note: "Patrick's Candy Pantry" was recently served with a cease-and-desist notice from Marion officials, and is moving to The Ropewalk in Mattapoisett. For further updates, see the followup story.]

Marion residents who miss the good old days of sugary penny candy need reminisce no longer.

Marion's own candy man, Patrick Kelly, is setting up a new storefront at 428 Marion Road (inside the new barbershop) to sell sweet treats, as well as ice cream.

Last summer Kelly, who has autism, set up a small produce stand on the side of what was then Al's Yankee Clipper with the help of friends and family. Now, the former Tabor Summer Camp counselor has taken a small space to one side of the new barber shop, to be called "Patrick's Candy Pantry."

The small space is stocked to evoke an early "penny candy" store. It features wooden baskets filled with Hershey's bars, Reese's Pieces, Nerds, Mr. Goodbar, Snickers and a variety of other sugary sweets.

When asked what his favorite candy bar was, Kelly didn't hesitate. "Hershey's!" he said. "But I like them all."

The store also features a 1960s-style ice-cream truck, which offers ice-cream from the Good Humor ice-cream brand. Good Humor started in 1920, and is still going today. Kelly noted that the company's long history and nostalgic feel is part of why he and his family chose to sell the Good Humor brand.

The ice-cream truck is still looking for a permanent home; it can't be kept on the barbershop's grounds, as Marion's Board of Health specified that the truck must be kept at a location that is licensed to sell food. The candy store, as it only sells pre-packaged foods, is exempt from that requirement. Kelly said that he and his family were considering options around town, but that the truck would eventually have a permanent parking spot.

"Patrick's Candy Pantry" is currently expected to open on Friday, June 16. Kelly and friends are currently setting up the cash machines and arranging the last of the candy for sale before the doors swing open.

Kelly can't wait for his favorite part of opening up his new store. "Meeting lots of new customers!" he beamed.