David Harrison

3591 Mt. Diablo Boulevard ~ (925) 299-9866

David Harrison moved to Lamorinda and realized a childhood dream. “I’m the kid in the candy store who gets to buy the whole thing,” the San Diego native said as we toured around Zoonie’s, an old-time candy, toy, fudge, gelato and hand-made chocolate truffle shop that caters to community fun. The original candy store at this location, Powell’s, was a franchise owned by Zeina and Nabil Hissen. When the franchise closed, the Hissens kept the store as privately owned and changed the name to Zoonie’s, as Nabil’s nickname for his beloved wife was “Zoonie” and the store was primarily her hobby and passion.

David’s background includes executive positions in the fast and furious worlds of emerging and expanding regional restaurant chains such as Rubio’s, Dosa, and Yalla. Although the life of private equity groups and rapid growth was professionally rewarding, David’s real love was entrepreneurial management and so he decided to open his own shop and slow down life enough to enjoy time with his family. His two children (ages 10 and 12) chimed in with a resounding “yes” when he broached the prospect of buying a candy store. David’s acumen for good food and fun, however, has meant some local expansion as he now also owns both Rush Bowls and Lush Gelato in Berkeley.

You can often find David behind the counter at Zoonie’s. They make their own fudge, carry multiple flavors of Café Classico Gelato and have bins of candy from your childhood as well as jelly bellies, chocolates, cow-tales (my favorite), Harry Potter-themed specialty items and bulk candy by the pound. The store itself is a Lafayette institution where you can host birthday parties with “Candy Jeopardy,” participate in a scavenger hunt or buy a holiday gift basket.