Aida Opera Candies Announces New Home

is singing its way down the street to a new home. Last week, as the landlord desired a restaurant to fill the spot. So, owner Tony Basques began looking for a new place to set up shop.

The following note was posted Monday on Aida Opera Candies’ Facebook page:

"Dear Aida Customers,

In case you haven’t been in the store lately, we’d like to get you up to date. For a few years now we haven’t had a lease. Business was not profitable and when a month to month arrangement was an option we took it, always hoping the changes and additions we made would improve business.

When our landlord said he needed our space to put in a restaurant it was not a surprise. However when he did give us this news he also made a most wonderful offer… Our new storefront on Burlingame Avenue!

Everyday of the almost 26 years that we have been on Primrose Road someone comes in and says 'I have lived in the area my whole life and never knew about this beautiful store.' We have tried ads, giveaways, signage, new awnings, increased internet promotion, hosted events and nothing seemed to help customers find us.

So when the opportunity to be on the Ave came to be we thought this may be the chance we need for increased foot traffic and new customers. Our new home will be 1117 Burlingame Ave across from Starbucks. We have to build a completely new store so it may take longer than we like, but we’re hoping for an October opening. We’ll keep you posted on our progress!

Until then if you have any 'candy emergencies' please call Lorri at 650.344.3333. We may be able to get you what you need. Thank you for all your wonderful support. We can’t wait to see you on the Ave.

-The Aida Opera Candies Family"

The family business first opened its doors in Burlingame in 1987. It was founded by Basques’ father, Anthony Basques, a professional musician by trade (his trumpet and photos join the teddy bears bags of candy lining the stores’ walls) who crafted candy for a living.

“He made candy during the day and made music at night,” said

His father’s love of music and the opera Aida inspired the store’s name.

Over the years, Basques’ four daughters got involved in the family business, all working at the store with their grandfather. Today, Basques’ wife and daughter Lorri Dawson run the store, and his grandson Cary Selsback is actively involved, as well.

A notable non-family mainstay at the shop is Michele Porrazzo, who has been with the company for almost 20 years and whom Basques said is practically family.

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