What! The Actual Fudge

For us Mainers, especially those of us who appreciate a truly exceptional sweet treat, discovering a local gem that elevates a classic confection can be a delightful experience. When that gem is conveniently located within one of our major shopping destinations, it's even better. What! The Actual Fudge, nestled in the Maine Mall, has quickly become a standout spot for those with a discerning sweet tooth, specializing in high-quality, freshly made fudge that goes far beyond the ordinary.

This article is crafted specifically for you, our fellow Maine locals, to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of What! The Actual Fudge. We'll explore what makes this particular "bakery" (or more accurately, a confectionery specialist) a must-visit, from its unique, in-store made fudge and diverse flavor combinations to its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. While the focus is undeniably on their incredible fudge, the overall experience and additional offerings make it a truly cool spot to check out, whether you're a long-time resident or new to the Maine Mall. We'll cover its exact location and accessibility, detail the various services and sweet delights you can indulge in, highlight its most notable features, and provide essential contact information, ultimately concluding with why it's such a suitable and frequently praised destination for our local community here in Maine.

What! The Actual Fudge is conveniently located at 364 Maine Mall Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, USA. This places it directly inside the Maine Mall, a central and easily recognizable shopping destination for residents throughout Southern Maine. Its establishment within the mall environment ensures high foot traffic and excellent visibility for shoppers.

The accessibility of this location is a major advantage. For those driving, the Maine Mall offers extensive parking facilities, making it straightforward to find a spot regardless of how busy the mall might be. Once inside, What! The Actual Fudge has moved from a kiosk to a dedicated spot, which typically implies a more prominent and accessible setup within the mall's pathways, often near popular entrances or other food vendors. Its location within the mall allows for a comfortable and climate-controlled shopping experience, perfect for grabbing a sweet treat no matter the weather outside. For Mainers visiting the mall for retail therapy, errands, or simply as a gathering spot, What! The Actual Fudge provides an easy and inviting stop for a unique indulgence. The mall's general operating hours, typically 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays, also dictate the accessibility of the store.

What! The Actual Fudge specializes in crafting gourmet fudge right in their store, offering a unique twist on this classic confection. Their services and product offerings are centered around providing a premium sweet experience.

• In-Store Made Gourmet Fudge: The core of their business is freshly made, high-quality fudge. They pride themselves on small-batch production, using fine ingredients, and the fudge is never prepackaged. It's often made right there in the store, sometimes in copper pots and cooled on marble, ensuring a rich, creamy, and smooth texture.
• Wide Selection of Unique Fudge Flavors: They offer a "lot of very unique flavor combinations" that go beyond traditional chocolate or vanilla. Their inspiration comes from Maine and beyond, featuring flavors made with local ingredients like beer from Rising Tide Brewery, pure maple syrup, fresh kelp, and raw honey. They even craft five different vanillas for their fudge and make their own caramel from scratch. Examples of their innovative flavors might include anything from classic chocolate and maple walnut to more adventurous blends.
• Generous Free Samples: Customers consistently highlight the offer of "good sized free samples." This allows visitors to taste various unique flavors before committing to a purchase, enhancing the customer experience.
• Unique Selection of Drinks: Beyond fudge, they offer a "unique selection of drinks." While specific details are not provided, this suggests an interesting array of beverages that complement their sweet offerings.
• Jelly Belly Jelly Beans: They also carry an impressive selection of "Jelly Belly Jelly Beans," providing another sweet option for customers. Jelly Belly boasts 49 unique flavors, offering a colorful and diverse candy experience.
• Fudge Charcuterie Boards: They plan to offer "Charcuterie Boards paired with Fudge," an ideal way to share various fudge flavors for parties or gatherings, creating a delightful fusion of indulgence. (Noted as "Coming Soon" in some sources, but reflects their future offerings).
• Smoothies: They also have plans to offer "smoothies" made from any flavor of their fudge, indicating a creative expansion of their beverage menu. (Noted as "Coming Soon").

What! The Actual Fudge stands out within the Maine Mall and the broader local sweet scene due to several distinct features and highlights that consistently earn it high praise.

• High-Quality, In-Store Made Fudge: The most significant highlight is their commitment to "high quality fudge made right in the store." This hands-on approach ensures freshness, superior texture, and rich flavor, distinguishing it from mass-produced fudge. Reviewers consistently praise its "creamy sweetness" and "decadent" feel.
• Unique and Innovative Flavor Combinations: Customers are continually impressed by the "lot of very unique flavor combinations." This willingness to experiment with local and unexpected ingredients provides a delightful surprise for returning visitors and encourages future exploration.
• Exceptional Customer Service: The staff receives consistent praise for being "super nice," "very kind," and engaging in "very pleasant conversation." This personable approach, coupled with offering generous samples, creates a welcoming and memorable experience.
• Transition from Kiosk to Storefront: The upgrade "from a kiosk to a spot in the mall" is a testament to their success and allows for a more comprehensive and inviting retail environment, suggesting growth and a solid presence.
• Reasonable Prices for Quality: Despite offering a gourmet, high-quality product, customers find their prices to be "reasonable," making premium fudge accessible.
• Beyond Fudge Offerings: The inclusion of a "unique selection of drinks" and "Jelly Belly Jelly Beans" diversifies their appeal, making it a more comprehensive sweet shop than just a single-product bakery. This breadth allows for a broader appeal to different tastes within the family or group.
• An "Amazing" and "Must-Check-Out" Spot: The overall sentiment from customers is that it's an "amazing" and "really cool spot," a "must to check out if you are new or familiar with the Maine Mall," indicating a strong positive impression and a recommendation for discovery.

For those looking to indulge in the unique fudge and other treats at What! The Actual Fudge in South Portland, Maine, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 364 Maine Mall Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, USA

Phone: While the specific mall location doesn't have a direct line often, a general contact number for What! The Actual Fudge is (814) 218-0000, and they can also be reached at admin@whattheactualfudge.com.

What! The Actual Fudge is exceptionally well-suited for us Mainers, particularly those in the greater Portland and South Portland areas, for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its commitment to crafting high-quality, in-store made fudge offers a genuine, artisanal experience that resonates with our appreciation for local craftsmanship and delicious, fresh products. We value businesses that put effort into their creations, and the rave reviews about the fudge's quality and unique flavors speak volumes.

Secondly, its strategic placement within the Maine Mall makes it incredibly convenient. Whether we're on a shopping spree, meeting friends, or just passing through, it's an easy and inviting stop for a sweet treat. The ample parking and accessible mall environment add to the ease of visiting. This blends seamlessly into our busy lives, providing a delightful break without significant detour.

Finally, the friendly and personable staff, combined with the generous offer of samples, creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages exploration and repeat visits. This customer-centric approach, alongside reasonable pricing for a gourmet product, builds trust and loyalty within the community. For a unique, high-quality sweet indulgence that's both accessible and a pleasure to experience, What! The Actual Fudge is truly a must-visit spot for any Mainer with a sweet tooth.

What! The Actual Fudge

364 Maine Mall Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, USA