Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan And Tom Atkins.
Hi Megan and Tom, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Megan and Tom Atkins met and married while both living in the Turks and Caicos Islands during the late 1990’s. After relocating to the US with their 2 children and living in 2 states, they discovered Gearhart on the Oregon coast and fell in love with the community, natural beauty and coastal charm.
Megan, originally from the UK, spent many years in the corporate world as a VP of Global Sales. This role took her to from South Africa to Scandinavia where she discovered confections from around the world which sparked the idea of opening a sweet shop to bring these treats to the Oregon Coast.
Since the 1920’s Gearhart has always had an ice cream and sweet shop, but during Covid the longtime sweet shop had closed, leaving a noticeable gap in the community.
Drawing on fond childhood memories of beachside ice cream outings—experiences they later shared with their own children—the couple saw an opportunity to reintroduce that tradition. They set out to create a classic candy and ice cream shop, honoring Gearhart’s history while offering a fresh, elevated experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Business on the Oregon coast is seasonal. yet Megan and Tom both wanted to create a year round experience for locals and visitors.
This also can create staffing challenges due to the seasonal nature of the business.
Importing goods from around the world can be challenging in logistics and cost.
We’ve been impressed with Ziggy’s Sweets and Treats, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Located in the heart of Gearhart, Ziggy’s Sweets & Treats is a family-owned ice cream & candy shop where nostalgia meets global discovery. Owned by Megan and Tom Atkins of Gearhart, Ziggy’s reflects the couple’s shared passion for travel and the traditions of classic confectionery. Described as a “love letter to bygone sweet shops,” Ziggy’s features a thoughtfully curated selection of international sweets—from the UK, Finland, and Australia—alongside Pacific Northwest favorites such as Missionary Chocolates, Phillips Candies, Cannon Beach Bakery, Columbia River Roasters coffee, and Tillamook ice cream.
Whether customers are browsing the wall of more than 30 licorice varieties, enjoying a scoop of ice cream, or a handcrafted latte, or sampling a new European treat, they are likely to be greeted by Megan or Tom themselves. Together, they have created a welcoming, sunlit space where every item has a story.
In addition to their selection of sweets and ice cream, Ziggy’s also offers a full menu of espresso beverages, coffee, milkshakes, sundaes, and floats—enhancing its role as a welcoming community gathering spot.
At its core, Ziggy’s Sweets & Treats is about connection—both to the past and within the community.
The shop’s name pays tribute to Ziggy, the couple’s rescue dog, who was adopted from the streets of Los Angeles during the pandemic and now enjoys life on the Oregon coast. A local favorite in his own right, Ziggy occasionally makes an appearance at Ziggy’s garden where he is greeted like a celebrity!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Customers are searching for ‘cleaner’ ingredients in candy. Swedish Candy is trending due to their use of natural colors and flavors as well as many being vegan and gluten free.
There is growing demand for both allergy friendly and sugar free products. At Ziggy’s we strive to offer a selection for all dietary requirements.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ziggyssweetsandtreats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ziggyssweetsandtreats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=ziggy%E2%80%99s%20sweets%20and%20treats
