A candy store with a whimsical flair has opened in downtown Mesa and is owned by Amanda and Chris Armbrust.

Mad Candy is full of fun and wacky decor some might say is a little “mad,” Amanda says about the business.

“With nods to Alice and Wonderland, Willy Wonka, old-time circus lore and whimsical touches, the shop is an experience and destination with the bonus of sweet treats,” she says.

Mad Candy is within walking distance from the Mesa Arts Center, the Mesa Amphitheatre and the Nile Theater — the perfect pre-show stop, she says.

Name: Amanda Armbrust (and Chris Armbrust)

Age: 45

Occupation: Small business owner

Hometown: My family moved around a bit when I was younger, but I went to junior high and high school in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I have lived in Arizona since 1998 when I moved here to attend ASU.

Family: Married to my husband Chris and together we have Kierstin (31), Westley (16) and Ayden (13). Westley and Ayden also work at the candy shop.

When did you first decide to open Mad Candy and why? We had just sold a side business and were brainstorming business ideas. Our kids perform theatre at the Mesa Art Center and we had revisited Downtown Mesa before a show and were impressed with how much it had grown. We loved the vibe of the area and came across an available building. We wanted a business that made people smile and loved the idea of creating a unique shop that would be a fun experience and a candy shop sounded like a perfect fit.

What does Mad Candy offer? Mad Candy is a whimsical candy store full of fun and wacky decor some might say is a little “mad.” With nods to Alice and Wonderland, Willy Wonka, old-time circus lore and whimsical touches, the shop is an experience and destination with the bonus of sweet treats. We have candy from nostalgic classics to the latest new trending flavors. Our bottled sodas range from original classic favorites to crazy flavors like pickle and bacon. From our candy and sodas to our fun decor, Mad Candy is an imaginative experience for anyone looking to make life a little sweeter.

Where is Mad Candy? What are your hours? What is your website? 46 W. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201 We’re in the heart of Downtown Mesa, nestled between Level One Arcade Bar and Mangos Mexican Cafe. We are within walking distance from the Mesa Arts Center, the Mesa Amphitheatre and the Nile Theater — the perfect pre-show stop. Conveniently surrounded by award-winning restaurants and breweries, we are also the best spot for an after-dinner treat. But truly, any time is the best time to make life a little sweeter. We are open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. We are closed on Monday. www.madcandyshop.com

What is something many people don’t know about you? I love singing. I have the heart and passion of a singing super star, just not the voice. : )

What’s one thing you want people to know about you? I have so many plans and ideas for the store still!

How are you involved in the local community? We’re hoping Mad Candy is a place the community enjoys coming to and talks about for years to come. We just opened, but in time, we hope to be able to have a presence at many of the local Mesa events.

What’s your favorite local restaurant, and what would you recommend off the menu? Being next door to Mangos Mexican Café definitely has its perks. My favorite thing off their menu is their chimichanga plate, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. The nachos machos are Chris’s favorite.

What is your most quirky talent? Guessing the next line correctly in a movie I haven’t seen yet.