Something of a dream
By Katherine Glenn

Mesmerized by the assortments of over 100 candies, you almost miss the amazing homemade milkshakes and Bluebell ice cream that the employees will whip up, just the way you like it. Homemade cupcakes, cakes and pies; Holli's Sweet Tooth of Oxford, Mississippi is too similar to something of a dream. Millions of movie fans can recall the character Charlie Bucket, a boy who got to experience the most amazing factory ever in the timeless Hollywood classic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Like the oompa loompas in Willy Wonka’s factory, known for making fans of the movie smile, the candy loving employees at Holli’s are there to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Oxford schools let out for the day, and children of all grades wanting their chocolate fix swarm with anticipation to the square. It’s a spot where grandparents love to spoil their grandchildren and where parents begin their plea bargains.

Owner Holli Ratcliffe got the idea of opening the hot spot right after graduating from Ole Miss.  Establishing Holli’s Sweet Tooth in 2006, she felt Oxford could use a fun place on the Square that offered yummy treats to kids of all ages.

Unlike Mr.Wonka and his strict rules, Holli welcomes guests to indulge in their candy-loving passions. A few cozy tables inside the parlor set the tone for friends to come and relax, for lovers to enjoy something sweet or for those rare pauses in life to occur where nothing is on your mind except the alluring smell of homemade cake mix. Pet lovers can even bring in their canine companions to enjoy Holli’s dog treats.

Like the many personalities portrayed in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, children can be mischievous, especially when it involves candy. One child, similar to the greedy, self-centered, Augustus Gloop, could not resist the urge of stealing Holli’s decorative sign.

A few weeks after the incident, the good news was passed among the small community that Holli’s Sweet Tooth had put up its new sign.

A sweet little girl, who is a faithful Holli’s customer, was upset about the sign getting stolen, and asked her grandfather to make the store a new sign

The sign was signed, "To Holli, from Piper and Pappy Clark."

This candy and ice cream parlor specializes in fun and creates a memory that children will always hold onto. Holli's is one venue that has remained successful at keeping the Ole Miss community happy.

Holli’s sweet tooth is an inviting and warm atmosphere where customers become like family. With wacky combinations of chocolate truffles and sour gummy worms, customers can snag up their clear candy bags to stuff all that is desirable inside.

 “The goal is for everyone to leave with a smile on their face.” Ratcliffe said.