An iconic New York City candy store and its long-time owner are getting some love from the community that it’s served for decades. Ray’s Candy Store, located at 113 Avenue A in Manhattan’s East Village, has been an NYC staple serving candy, egg creams, beignets, and more since Ray Alvarez opened the store in 1974. Born Asghar Ghahraman, Ray migrated to the United States, per The New York Times. After after earning enough money as a waiter he bought the store for $30,000, according to downtown documentarian and influencer, New York Nico. Since then, Ray has manned his shop, even sleeping in the back at times, for nearly 50 years.
