The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine a spotlight on Rita Lara in our “Community Proud” series.

If you’ve ever wandered into Mystic Sweets & Ice Cream Shop and felt instantly eight years old again, you’ve felt Rita’s magic at work. For more than 30 years, Rita has poured her heart into the beloved candy and ice cream haven in downtown Mystic—turning a once-struggling storefront into a joyful, memory making destination where families return year after year.

When Rita first took over the shop in the 1990s, the business had changed hands twice in four years and needed steady care. She rolled up her sleeves and learned the craft from the ground up, studying ice cream at Penn State, learning chocolate at the Culinary Institute of America, and even traveling to cocoa farms to understand chocolate “bean to bar.” That curiosity and discipline, paired with a community that cheered her on, transformed Mystic Sweets into a local landmark.

Today, the shop is known for its signature fudge, handmade chocolates, imported Swedish candies, and a rotating case of house-made ice cream. It’s also known for a feeling—bright colors, candy bins, and the kind of simple delight that sparks instant nostalgia. “We’ve worked hard to keep the spirit of the candy stores people remember from the ’80s,” Rita says. “But we also mix in new favorites—Labubus, Marshies, and seasonal treats. More than anything, we build everything on heart.”

That heart shows up in the way Rita connects with people. She remembers families by name and celebrates their milestones—children who once pressed their noses to the chocolate case now bring their own kids to the store. “I love seeing our same customers year after year,” she shares. “It fills me up and reminds me why I do what I do.”

After three decades in Mystic, what keeps Rita rooted is simple: “Mystic has heart—and it welcomes everyone with open arms.” She’s grateful for the town’s signature events and the connections that come with them. “The Chamber has a special way of making every business owner feel proud to be part of this community,” she says.

Beyond the shop, Rita is passionate about teaching the art of chocolate-making and sharing that joy with others. In her downtime, you’ll find her reading or savoring time with family—those small, ordinary moments she treasures most.

Ask her who helps make the sweetness possible, and she lights up. She is deeply grateful for her longtime team—Rose (7 years), Kathy (15 years), Sharon (12 years), Robert (7 years), Janis (5 years), Mile (5 years), and Sara (1.5 years)—as well as the loyal customers who’ve supported the shop for decades. Rita also credits a recent boost to her “social media guru,” Jean Michael, whose strategy, reels, and has taken Mystic Sweets’ online presence to the next level.

Rita’s journey embodies what Community Proud is all about: grit, gratitude, and an abiding love for the people who make Mystic home. Step inside her shop and you don’t just taste something sweet—you feel the care of a neighbor who never stopped believing in a small town’s big heart.