Our Story
Candy, sure we have that, but we are so much more!
In 2006, Pam Gabriel opened Sweet Gourmet to fill a gap in Tyler: a cozy, family-run shop offering specialty food, candies, chocolates and something more. Before long, Pam saw the city needed not just treats but kitchen tools, thoughtful gifts, and a curated sense of culinary discovery.
Nearly two decades later, that original vision has blossomed. Sweet Gourmet has doubled in size, welcoming cookware and kitchen collections from brands like Le Creuset, Zwilling, and Staub, alongside local favorites Montes Doggett ceramics, Tyler Candles, and Olivelle oils and vinegars. We’re also proud to offer wedding registry services, corporate gifting, cooking classes, and daily demonstrations.
Now, the next chapter unfolds under two local families whose roots run just as deep in East Texas. With Pam’s blessing, they’ve stepped in to steer the store with a shared commitment to fast, friendly service, community giving, and ever-refreshing gourmet picks. You’ll still see generations of family working the floor, kids helping package chocolates, parents whipping up baskets just like it’s always been.
At the heart of it all stays the same: welcoming folks in like friends, helping them explore new flavors and tools, and serving what feels like home.
Because some traditions are too good to change.
Co-Owner
Laura
East Texas became home when I married Shaun Crook over 20 years ago, and we've built our life in Ben Wheeler with our children Nicole and Ethan. Alongside raising our family, we founded Gum Creek Boards, specializing in handcrafted cutting boards.
My educational journey at Stephen F. Austin State University, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees, led to varied roles from teaching to oil and gas mapping technologies to retail entrepreneurship. Each experience prepared me for this next chapter.
Sweet Gourmet has been part of our story from the beginning, our first retail partner and the foundation of a deep friendship with Pam Gabriel. Ten years of collaboration have given me intimate knowledge of what makes Sweet Gourmet special: the commitment to quality, the personal service, and the genuine care for our community. I'm excited to honor this legacy while writing the next chapter.
Co-Owner
Gary
Tyler has always been home from growing up on our Smith County family farm to building a life here with my wife Aimee of 27 years. We're blessed to have our children nearby and the opportunity to work together as a family at Sweet Gourmet.
My journey from Stephen F. Austin State University's Petroleum Geology program to a fulfilling 20 year career with Mewbourne Oil Company taught me the value of quality work and genuine service. When the opportunity arose to co-own Sweet Gourmet, a business I'd patronized and admired for over 13 years it felt like the perfect next chapter.
What drew me to Sweet Gourmet as a customer is what drives me as an owner's commitment to exceptional products, genuine service, and contributing to what makes Tyler special. I'm grateful for the foundation Pam created and excited to build upon it.
Previous Owner
Pam
In 2006, Sweet Gourmet was born out of a simple idea: Tyler needed a place where people could find exceptional specialty foods, candies, and chocolates. But as I became more involved, it quickly became clear that this community was looking for more than just sweet treats. Tyler was ready for a thoughtfully curated shop filled with high-quality kitchenware, beautiful linens, local treasures, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
I purchased the store from Michael Furlinger and poured my heart, energy, and creativity into growing it into what it is today. I absolutely love discovering new products and sharing them with our customers. But more than that, my greatest joy comes from watching people find their new favorite things—learning tips and techniques that make cooking, hosting, and gathering with loved ones feel intentional and full of joy.
At Sweet Gourmet, everything we do is rooted in hard work, true Southern hospitality, and a desire to make traditional entertaining feel easy and meaningful. I’m proud of the foundation we’ve built—and confident it will carry Sweet Gourmet forward for generations to come.
We Host Private Events
Looking for a unique venue for your next club or organization's meeting? Look no further than Sweet Gourmet! Our charming space and one of a kind cooking shows are the perfect setting to inspire creativity and have a laugh or two. Book your next meeting with us at Sweet Gourmet and experience the sweetest way to work and play!