Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— For most, Philips Candy of Coney Island in Port Richmond is the go-to for candy, marshmallows and well, chocolate covered everything.

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

But for owner John Dorman, Philip’s is home.

“This is where my family is,” John told SILive as he plucked the stems off apples, soon to be dipped in caramel. “Working with my kids makes me the happiest.”

(Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

The love that protrudes from this hole-in-the-wall candy spot was one of the factors that led to Philip's being dubbed Staten Island's Best Mom & Pop Candy Shop this year.

Philip's has been around since the 1930's and moved from Coney Island to Staten Island in 2002. John started working at Philip's in 1947 and partnered up with Peggy Cohn, another worker in the store, in the mid-1960s.

Pictured are Maria and John Dorman, the father-daughter duo in charge of Philip's Candy of Coney Island in Port Richmond.

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

THE CANDY MAN HIMSELF

“Seeing customers come in and making them happy is what keeps me going, John says. “We’re seeing the kids in the community grow up as they come in here and bring their children and so on. Thats what is most important to me.”

(Staten Island Advance/ Pamela Silvestri)

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Photo by Pamela Silvestri/ Staten Island Advance

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

The Dormans say the key to staying afloat in a rising rent jungle like Staten Island is simple: Don’t change.

They’re “doing what they do best,” keeping one-on-one relationships with customers and greeting everyone like they would a friend.

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

Jars of candy at Philip's Candy of Coney Island in Port Richmond. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

Chocolate on chocolate at Philip's Candy of Coney Island in Port Richmond. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

THROWIN' IT BACK

This photo, circa 1930, shows Philip's Confectionery when it was located at 1237 Surf Avenue in Brooklyn. The store, owned by John Dorman and Peggy Cohn, closed in 2002.

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

THEM JELLY POPS, THOUGH.

Taking a walk around the shop, you can feel bond and sense of community. The walls are decorated simply with white paint and family photos. They’re not in your face. There are no neon colored lights or flashy signs to get you to come to the store.

They are real; they are genuine and their desserts are bleeping good.

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

If you weren't hungry before, get ready. These cake pops — covered in coconut shavings — are lined up and ready to serve.

(Staten Island Advance/ Pamela Silvestri)

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

Even though times are changing, Philip's tries their best to keep their prices the same.

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Photo by Pamela Silvestri/ Staten Island Advance

THATS HOW WE (CASHEW) ROLL

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

Chocolate covered pretzels at Philip's Candy of Coney Island in Port Richmond. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

Making homemade cake pops at Philip's Candy of Coney Island in Port Richmond. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola)

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

FARE FOR FUR FRIENDS

Pets can get their snack on, too. Dog treats are sold at Philip's Candy of Coney Island in Port Richmond.

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Victoria Priola | vpriola@siadvance.com

Chocolate covered marshmellows and bags of popcorn at Philip's Candy of Coney Island in Port Richmond.

Philip's is located at 8 Barrett Ave; 718-981-0062.