KILLEEN, Texas — The Wycked Apple has taken Downtown Killeen by storm!
The Wycked Apple opened Oct. 5 and specializes in selling gourmet apples.
There are over 25 Gourmet flavors to choose ranging from Oreo, Rocky Road, Cheesecake, Snickers, and more. The owner, Aisha Shields, said her business first started as 'Imperial Goodies' in Indianapolis, Indiana.
"In 2018, I started making treats like decorative cookies, pretzels, and Rice Krispies," Shields explained. "Then in April of 2021, we switched over to just caramel apples only."
After deciding to specialize in only gourmet apples, Shields said she needed a creative name for the new business. That's how the 'wycked' idea came about.
"So I wanted something fun, something funky, something unique," Shields said. "I thought wicked and I was like, I like it but then someone suggested why don't you switch out and spell it differently? And I'm like, oh, that would be even more wicked."
It took Shields about five months to finally open and she was apart of the many business that moved to Downtown Killeen for the Revitalization Plan.
The business is family owned with Shields's husband helping out after work, their daughter and son helping at the register, and her mother helping prepare the apples by cleaning them before they're dipped.
Shields added that she gets fresh apples every day thanks to her partnership with HEB. They are also in partnership with Killeen ISD and Child Care Services to employ young adults with developmental disabilities. They help Shield's prep her apples every week.
While Shields does still work a 9-5, her hope is for The Wycked Apple to become a life long business that can become a world known franchise.
"Every dollar that they spend here goes back into The Wycked Apple," Shields explained. "If they want us to stick around, come and visit us. Come and buy from us. I want this to be my retirement plan."
The Wycked Apple is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are located at 320 E Avenue D, Killeen, TX 76541.