Sweet Shop

John Spurgeon ‘Doc’ Ferrell (1905-1962)  opened Ferrell’s, a restaurant in a building he rented from the Coopers at the Corner of Vermillion Street and Cooper Street. Ferrell’s became known as Ferrell’s Sweet Shop; in about 1952 was shortened to the Sweet Shop.

The Sweet Shop was a favorite place to hangout for the students of the Concord State Teachers School, formerly the Concord State Normal School, now Concord University. They could get a meal or snack, study, and socialize with friends. Some worked there to help with college expenses. 

The Sweet Shop catered to the college crowd serving hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, soft drinks and more. Their sign outside proudly proclaimed that pizza was their speciality. 

Earl Neville Sr.  bought the Sweet Shop in 1955. He and his family operated it until 1998, at which time it was permanently closed.  That left  college students with very few nearby options for off campus dining. 

The Sweet Shop played a very important role in the lives of many townspeople and students over the decades. For that reason, there is a special feature in Spotlight that provides more information and additional photographs.