We Went from Selling Sweet Treats to Solving Global Mysteries—and the World Took Notice!
Remember the bizarre global phenomenon of the mysterious metallic monoliths? These strange, reflective structures were popping up in remote deserts and distant fields, confusing experts and sparking countless theories. But unlike the others, one monolith landed right on our doorstep at Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop in Pittsburgh’s Strip District—and it became one of our most viral moments yet!
This was more than just a passing news story; it was a phenomenon that captivated the nation and put our candy shop on the map alongside global mysteries, earning us coverage from major media outlets around the world!
The Media Frenzy: Grandpa Joe’s Becomes a Global News Story
When a 10-foot metallic structure suddenly appeared in front of our store, we knew we had something special. The story quickly went from local buzz to national news, proving that the sweet appeal of Grandpa Joe’s is truly out of this world.
The media coverage poured in, validating the fun and the mystery we created:
WTAE: The Local Story That Exploded Nationally
Local Pittsburgh news outlet WTAE was one of the first to cover the stunning event, with the headline “Monolith Appears in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.” They captured the initial shock and curiosity of our community, documenting the crowds who flocked to our shop to take selfies with the bizarre, three-sided structure.
Business Insider: Covering the Viral Phenomenon
The story quickly went beyond Pittsburgh. Business Insider—a leader in global business and news—covered the event in their piece, detailing the “metallic monolith” and its connection to our candy shop. Our quirky stunt was recognized as a brilliant and effective way to cut through the noise of traditional headlines.
Fox News: The Owner’s Reveal and the Small Business Message
The mystery deepened when our monolith suddenly disappeared over a weekend! But we quickly replaced it, and our owner, Christopher Beers, shared the real story with Fox News. As they reported, the entire event was a commissioned effort—a fun, creative publicity stunt designed to draw attention to one crucial message: The importance of supporting small businesses during difficult times. We used humor and mystery to amplify a vital message, and it resonated!
From News Stunt to History Channel Feature
The ultimate validation of our monolith’s impact came years later when the global phenomenon was analyzed on television. The entire movement, including our contribution, was featured in Season 4, Episode 22 of the History Channel’s The UnXplained, hosted by William Shatner, which was titled “Mysterious Monoliths.”
When a fun stunt organized by a local candy shop is serious enough to be included in a documentary about global anomalies, you know you’ve made history! We proved that even a small business can use imagination to become part of a massive cultural moment.
The Mystery is Gone, But the Message Remains
While our metallic monolith has since moved on, the legacy remains: Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop is a place where every visit is an adventure. We believe in creative fun, we stand for small businesses, and we carry the most unique sweets and sodas you can find.
We invite you to visit one of our many locations to experience the quirky, unforgettable magic that put us in the headlines. Thank you for supporting the small business that dared to bring a little bit of alien mystery to Pittsburgh!