By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
Its been 100 years since the Pappas Sweet Shop opened it’s doors to the public in downtown Raton, New Mexico with third generation Ann Marie Pappas at the helm.
On Sunday November 19, 2023 the Sweet Shop held a small celebration commemorating the 100th Birthday of the business that opened it’s doors under the Sweet Shop on November 9, 1923. At that time the business was owned by Jim Pappas and Gus Petritsis. Pappas had never married and returned to Greece where he met and courted Katherine Tornzakis. Within a few months they married and after their first son Mike was born Pappas moved the family back to Raton.
Pappas purchased the remaining interest in the Sweet Shop when Petritsis retired and with the help of Katherine ran a successful business until 1958 when their eldest son Mike took over the business. As the business grew a restaurant was added to supplement the candy and ice cream business. In 1973 Mike Pappas moved the business to its current location in south Raton.
The business has since been passed down to Ann Marie Pappas the third generation to run the business and she hopes to pass it down to her son Matthew Rigdon. Matt has been a cook at the restaurant for several years. Ann Marie says she is ready to retire and go fishing.
Congratulations to the Sweet Shop! What a wonderful contribution to Raton for the past 100 years. Our family has very fond memories of the different locations–and the pecan, cashew, brazil nut brittles, along with all of the decadent things in the “SWEET SHOP”. The Pappas Family continues to leave a legacy that we are all proud of as Ratonians! We hope the business will always continue to share the love and talents of a special family! All of our best to you!