Sugar Shack: sweet-tooth heaven

The luscious gooey chocolate was dripping off a ladle being used to coat a pan of fresh strawberries at Bastrop’s Sugar Shack. It was a busy afternoon, a week before Valentine’s Day at the popular confectionery store. “On Valentine’s Day we sell tons of chocolate-covered strawberries because we have the best in town,” Sugar Shack owner Natacha Wells proudly exclaimed. Among the options are the Sweetheart Berries & Cream package – a dozen chocolate strawberries teamed with 12 assorted creams and caramel candies – all gift wrapped in a lovely package. The chocolate strawberries are just one of the many sweet-tooth delights at Sugar Shack, located at 114 Loop 150 West – the continuation of downtown’s Chestnut Street, on the immediate west side of the Old Iron Bridge which crosses the Colorado River. Other confectionery choices at Sugar Shack include caramel-covered apples with nut sprinkles, white chocolate dipped pretzels, Bluebell Ice Cream, peach-topped cheesecake, ‘Showgirls’ – a small white chocolate blended with a raspberry/strawberry puree; and ‘Sunday Bash’ – a peanut butter center covered in milk chocolate, topped with roasted pecans, a jellybean and white chocolate swirl. Don’t forget the chocolate dipped Twinkies! Colorful tee shirts playfully capture a customer’s many sweet choices: “Sugar Shack – A Gift & Candy Wonderland,” and “My Multi-vitamin has 3 c’s: Candy, Chocolate & Cake.” And sometimes one just can’t wait – customers can be seen sampling their candies and ice cream while waiting for family and friends to get their orders. All these delectables are accompanied by a wide range of unique merchandise for youth and adults, such as stuffed animals and angelic figurines/dolls. There’s a spacious front porch with three-foot tall replicas of the famous M&M characters that draw children like a magnet. A back porch provides added space for children’s activities, including birthday parties, book readings, and visits with the Easter Bunny in spring. Natacha also oversees an active catering business. “Sugar Shack has partnered with EZ Cater for a seamless online catering experience,” Natacha said. (See Sugar Shack’s website for more details: www.sugarshackbastrop.com)

Store’s Opening; honoring ‘Drusilla’s Legacy’ 

“We acquired Sugar Shack in March 2023,” Natacha said. “My husband Xavier and I were searching for a business that we could truly love and pass down through generations. When we learned that Sugar Shack (previous owner Drusilla Rogers) was looking for a new family to call Sugar Shack its own, we knew it was the perfect opportunity for us.” A quick trip sealed the deal for the Wells. “After visiting the location and envisioning its future, we took the leap,” Natacha said. “We had heard that Drusilla was a true icon in Bastrop—her dedication and deep community involvement had made Sugar Shack a beloved gathering spot since 1995,” Natacha said. Rogers had been a Bastrop City Council member and was honored for her community contributions by being named 2010 Citizen of the Year. Natacha said her family was up for the challenge of continuing Rogers’ spirited business. “We knew we had big shoes to fill. We honor Drusilla’s legacy by preserving that welcoming spirit and commitment to quality, while also embracing new opportunities,” Natacha said. “We even invited family members to visit, lend a hand, and work at the Shack from time to time. The best part is that when our family gets involved, they quickly share our passion and commitment to making the Sugar Shack a customer destination.” Natacha and family helpers currently commute from their Hutto home, but have plans to move to Bastrop. (Sugar Shack is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.)

Photos and Article By Terry Hagerty – Contributing Writer

Click a photo below to scroll through the gallery!