Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Wiremalm Sims.
Hi Ann , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When my husband was retiring from the military, I was planning to return to work after spending five years as a stay-at-home mom. I had moved from Sweden after we got married and had only worked intermittently during my time as an Army wife.
We decided to open a business and stumbled across Rocket Fizz on an episode of Undercover Boss. It seemed like a great fit for our community, and we opened just before Christmas in 2015.
About a year after retiring, my husband started a new full-time job, and it became clear I would need help running the store. Ineke was our first employee. As a fellow military spouse—her husband had retired from the Air Force—and being Dutch, we shared a strong connection and worked well together. Ineke later joined as a co-owner, and we’ve been going strong ever since.
Since opening, we’ve been honored with Up & Coming Weekly’s “Best Candy and Sweet Shop in Fayetteville” every year, and most recently, we were named “Best Woman-Owned Business.”
Nearly a decade in, we’ve weathered COVID, several hurricanes, and continue to stay active as sponsors for many local events. We’ve become a beloved local staple for anyone with a sweet tooth in Fayetteville—and we’re just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any business, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. We faced significant challenges, especially early on. Hurricanes Matthew and Florence both had a major impact on the area and disrupted operations. Later, we expanded and opened a second store, but unfortunately, that venture didn’t go as planned. We were just starting to recover when COVID hit, and like many small businesses, it became touch and go for a while.
Fayetteville also presents some unique challenges. As a military town, a large portion of our customer base rotates every few years, so we’re constantly rebuilding and reconnecting with new faces. Our location also ties us closely to the movie theater next door—when it’s busy, we benefit from strong foot traffic, but when it’s not, we feel the dip.
Despite these ups and downs, we’ve learned, adapted, and grown stronger through every challenge.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rocket Fizz Fayetteville. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Rocket Fizz Fayetteville is a vibrant, retro-inspired candy and soda shop located just off Skibo Road, right next to the local movie theater—a perfect spot for sweet lovers of all ages. Since opening in 2015, the store has become a go-to destination for nostalgic treats, quirky novelty items, and hard-to-find sodas from around the world. With colorful displays and shelves packed with everything from vintage candies to offbeat flavors like pickle or bacon soda, the shop offers a fun, throwback experience that sparks curiosity and delight. The atmosphere is playful and welcoming, making it a favorite stop for families, moviegoers, and military families new to town. Where else can you pick up a Big Red Soda, a Green Tea Kit Kat, and a 1968 Rolling Stones concert poster?
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Rocket Fizz Fayetteville defines success as creating a meaningful and joyful experience for the community while staying grounded in values of resilience, service, and connection. Since opening in 2015, the store has grown into a beloved local destination, offering nostalgic candy, unique sodas, and whimsical gifts that spark smiles and conversation. Through hurricanes, the challenges of expansion, and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rocket Fizz Fayetteville has remained a vibrant part of the community by adapting, persevering, and staying focused on what matters most—making people happy.
For Rocket Fizz Fayetteville, success isn’t just about sales or awards—though the store has proudly earned honors like Best Candy and Sweet Shop and Best Woman-Owned Business. It’s about impact: supporting local events, being a steady presence in a dynamic military town, and forming genuine connections with customers. If someone walks in, discovers something delightful, and leaves with a smile, that’s the true measure of success.
