By MATT LINDSEY

CANTON -- A new general store will bring a touch of New Orleans and try to resurrect an old-fashioned feel with candy, ice cream and a Louisiana favorite, “snowballs.”

Nola’s General Store, 11 Main St., plans to open Sept. 1. It is owned by Canton resident Elizabeth Pier and will be managed by Andrea Husinec, and other employees will help run daily operations.

Snowballs are a New Orleans treat made with shaved ice and flavored cane sugar syrup. The ice of a snowball is fine and fluffy; unlike a snow cone's ice, which is coarse, crunchy, and granular.

“They are a tradition in New Orleans,” she said. They will also offer a “stuffed snowball” which includes ice cream.

The general store will offer oils, vinegars, soaps and other items. Candy will be sold by weight, old-fashioned style, in the front of the store.

Before dessert though, customers can try a variety of potato-centered meals with flavors like taco, poutine, shepherd’s pie and chicken parmesan. Potato offerings are baked, French fries, or mashed.

Staff will prepare meals for clientele.

The business is near Sergi’s and Josie’s and formerly housed Styles Bridges Associates.

Nola, which is short for New Orleans, will be decorated with Louisiana-themed artwork.

“We gutted the whole place – but we kept all the brick walls,” Pier said. She said they added old-style general store counters to give it a nostalgic appearance.

Pier operated a similar store in New Hampshire and feels it is the right time for Canton to have a store like this.

“I want to fill a niche that other businesses don’t cater to,” Pier said, noting she hopes to appeal to families, college students and locals.

Parking is available in front and out back as well.

The store will be open at least six days a week, possibly closed on Mondays. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

More info: 315-854-8075 or http://nolasgeneralstore.com/.