LINCOLN SQUARE — A candy store that's a favorite of the Kardashian clan is set to open on Broadway with an accompanying carousel for sweet tooths to enjoy.
Sugar Factory, which already has outposts in the Meatpacking District and at the Barclay's Center, is taking over the commercial space at 1991 Broadway near West 68th Street, as well as setting up a carousel in the indoor public plaza adjacent to the shop.
The store is planning to open this summer, said Barry Lustig, executive vice president of Ashkenazy Acquisitions Corporation, which leased out the property.
This commercial space formerly held Ollie's Noodle Shop and Grille, but the Chinese restaurant closed after a fire broke out in Jan. 3, 2013, and the space has been empty ever since.
In addition to bright Sugar Factory signage at the entry, the 1,500-square-foot public space will also feature the 12-foot-wide carousel, according to preliminary plans submitted to the Department of City Planning on Feb. 4.
A Sugar Factory staffer will operate the ride whenever the public plaza is open and the store will maintain it, the plans said.
The decor of the public space, which the developer said became overrun by homeless people, will be updated, with new marble and cast-iron tables, wooden brasserie-style chairs, two fabric-covered benches and moveable Japanese holly planters.
Residents had complained about the plaza's conditions, describing the space as "run-down" and in need of "a little cleanup." Having the commercial space sit empty for so many years hasn't helped, they said.
Sugar Factory, which also has locations in Florida, California, Illinois and Bahrain, sells such sweets as Playboy-themed candy, "Hello Kitty" treats and "Couture" lollipops, among others.
The company operates restaurants and hosts birthday celebrations, as well as bachelorette and late-night parties, at some of its locations. It's also known for serving over-the-top desserts and boasts of its celebrity fans.
The store did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding whether it would have a restaurant at this location.
Two other candy stores are also located on Broadway within a nine-block radius: IT'SUGAR at Broadway and West 61st Street amd Sugarfina inside the Shops at Columbus Circle.
The Ashkenazy Acquisitions Corporation has not submitted a final application yet, a spokeswoman for the City Planning Commission said.
