Brach’s Candy

Founded by, German emigrant Emil J. Brach in 1904, Brach’s Candy quickly expanded from the initial small storefront shop on the corner of North Avenue and Towne Street in Chicago, IL, to become one of America's largest candy companies in a relatively brief period of time. Emil Brach was not alone in this endeavor, but was joined by his two sons, Edwin and Frank.

The Brach family has a definite recipe for success. The key to this success was to produce the highest quality candy, using the most up-to-date manufacturing and distribution processes available, and finally offer the customers a wide variety of products at a fair price. They built the business making and selling great-tasting, high-quality candies at a fair price.

The Brachs soon outgrew their first store and moved to Des Plaines Street on the west side of Chicago in May of 1906. Peanut and hard candies were added to the line of caramels that were already making a name for the fledgling candy company.

By 1909 the company's growth required a second move, this time to a new location at the corner of LaSalle and Illinois Avenue. The production line expanded to include coconut nougats and other hard candies. Throughout all of this growth, the rate of candy produced per pound rose phenomenally as the Brachs kept expansion of both facilities and employee numbers growing as well.

In 1913, the factory and offices moved to an even larger facility on East Illinois Street. Here Brach's added chocolate dipping and icing and cream dipping, and installed a marshmallow line and a department for panned candies. Quality was always foremost concern for the Brachs. The company backed its candy with a thirty-day money-back guarantee, and they were also the first candy company to have a state-of-the-art laboratory to inspect ingredients. In 1915 and 1916 they expanded this facility. Finally in 1923 Emil moved all operations to a new facility at the intersection of Kilpatrick, Ferdinand, and the Beltline Rail Road tracks.

They sold not only to department stores, but also to thousands of small corner stores and general merchandisers. Brach's was the first company to introduce barrels as a new and unique way to get additional display area in the stores. Next they introduced boxes with glass covers to keep the candy fresh. Impressive display cases involving candy stations, where the products could be mixed and weighed in the store, soon followed.

Today, Brach's remains a leader in the manufacture of staple (everyday) candy and seasonal candy; and the fastest-growing fruit snacks company in the U.S. Though no longer owned by the Brach’s family, the company still strives to maintain the quality and the reputation that made the brand a household name. This does not appear likely to change any time soon.

Candy Shop

In days gone by, visiting the local corner candy shop was a special treat. Walking through the front door, you were immediately greeting by the pleasing aromas of peppermint, chocolate, and caramel. Perhaps, you were greeted by the shopkeeper. Then your eyes feasted upon neatly arranged, brightly packaged candies. Within glass display cases you could see rows of tasty chocolate morsels beckoning you. It was a glorious thing if were able to walk out of the candy shop with one of these delectable treats.

Times changed and many of these small candy shops closed or moved out of the neighborhood. Many times, they were put out of business by large chain stores that beginning to make their presence known. Some shrewd candy shop owners took the plunge and moved their family run operations into the shopping malls and managed to survive and prosper. Some of these small candy shops eventually became the large retail chains themselves.

In time, those small local candy shops that did survive where they were began seeking new ways to advertise their traditional, homemade quality confections to a broader audience of avid candy lovers. For many the nostalgia was a draw as well as many of the processes involved wit these small businesses were unique to them alone.

The answer to their prayers came via the internet. Owners of old time candy shops started publishing web pages that showcased their wonderful selections of candies, complete with full-color graphics and interesting content that detailed their rich histories. Though many of these sites initially appeared as nothing more than home pages that told you all about them and then encouraged you to visit them in person, there were a few that began to expand to include online stores. These stores, like those of the larger, retail candy makers who were already populating the internet with their own websites, offered everything that a candy-lover could imagine and with the added bonus of providing that extra special care and quality that only small time candy shop could offer.

This, of course, had great appeal to some. The result was that many candy shops saw significant increases in their candy sales, and this lead to expansion simply in order to keep up with the demand that these tactics generated.

So even if you can’t find that local candy shop that you gave you so many fine memories, you might find that they are but a click away.

How to Make Rock Candy

In the past, making rock candy was a family affair with many mothers and grandmothers across the country making the savory confections right out of their kitchens. Many people can remember the fun and excitement that filled those long summer days. You did not have to visit your local candy store in order to sample these sweet treats. Today, you can still have rock candy any time you want. It is easy to make.

Let’s begin by outlining the main ingredients. They include: One cup water, two cups of granulated sugar, a few drops of your favorite candy flavoring such as peppermint, cherry or lemon, and few drops of food coloring. Also, we need the proper implements or utensils so we can create the right conditions for the sugar crystals to form.

We will need the following: Measuring cup and spoon, a large heavy metal sauce pan, long wooden stirring spoon, clean glass jar (a tall, sturdy one such as a pint or quart canning jar, mayonnaise jar or pickle jar), piece of sterilized cotton string, popsicle stick, pencil, or skewer, paper clip, thick pot holders, candy thermometer. Now you can vary some of these implements but non-negotiable elements include the jar, the string, and the stick or pencil. Without these you will have trouble getting your rock candy to form. With this point clear, you can begin making your own rock candy.

First, tie one end of the piece of string around the middle of the stick or pencil. Cut the string, if necessary, so that it is a little shorter than your jar. Moisten the string with a little water and roll it in the sugar. Put the paper clip on the end of the string to help it hang straight down. Lay the stick over the top of the glass jar so that the string hangs down inside the jar. The end of the string should not touch the bottom of the jar.

Cook the candy mixture then pour it into jar. Let the sugar water sit for a few days where no one will bother it. The crystals will begin to form along the string in a few hours. Let them continue grow for 3 to 10 days (or more). When you're ready to eat the rock candy, take the candy-covered string out of the jar. Break the pieces apart and enjoy. Store left-over candy in a covered container. Enjoy!

Online Candy Store

It shouldn’t be any surprise that as with every other business, that the candy store should find its way onto the worldwide web. At the moment, there are literally hundreds of online candy stores now operating from websites that have been built to cater customers who are looking for either the brand name candies available at any store or to candy lovers looking for more exotic varieties types of specialty candies that are typically hard to find or not available in certain regions of the country.

Even more interesting are the number of online candy stores that actually have something just for the nostalgic, offering classic candies from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. You can even find online stores can have candy available made just for special occasions or holidays, ready to order so the customer will be able to plan surprise treats for loved ones.

Wholesale candy distributors have jumped on board with this trend for online candy stores by adding comprehensive listings of all of their products on the web then going further by offering great deals on bulk candy sales for a variety of customers including movie theaters, restaurants, and small grocery stores with the convenience of online purchasing or special rates on limited edition candies that you cannot find anywhere else or that have been discontinued but a surplus remains to be sold at a discount.

This can also be just the option for those who might need to have a party or a more professional occasion but just don’t have the time in their schedule to get out to a store in person. With online candy stores you merely need to log on and place an order.

Less commercialized candymakers have also realized the good sense of providing access to their range of products to online markets and as a result, have broadened their potential to make money across the country and even around the globe.

Additionally, many of these online candy stores include gifts and card with the candy they sell which does increase the likelihood that someone browsing the internet will do more than stop and browse their wares.

There truly is something for everyone on most online candy stores.

See’s Candy

Established by a recent Canadian emigrant named Charles See along with his mother and his wife, Florence the first See's Candies shop and kitchen on Western Avenue in Los Angeles in November of 1921. The sparkling clean, black and white shop was designed to resemble Mary See's home kitchen.

See decided that no image would better reflect the personality of his fledgling venture than that of his mother, Mary See. The spectacled, silver haired woman still smiles with pride from candy boxes shipped throughout the world, and her original recipes are savored by millions to this day. Apart from using his mother’s recipes as a foundation, See knew that keeping his business a family affair was the only way to bring about the kind of lovingly crafted product he desired.

See's continued to grow steadily from that first shop in Los Angeles to twelve shops by the mid-1920's and thirty shops during the depression. By 1936, See's was able to open shops in San Francisco. Mary See died in 1939 at the age of 85, but the company's ability to adjust to changing times—without abandoning the dedication to quality and service that Mary See represented—kept it going strong throughout the decades to come.

Following World War II, See's Candy Shops grew as California grew, and the See's family continued the tradition, opening up shops throughout the state. In the 50's, See's established itself with the new and growing phenomenon of shopping malls. See's customers continued to recognize the See's Candies product for its quality and taste, and continued to visit See's old-fashioned black and white shops, enjoying a visit to a time past where service was paramount.

In 1972, the See's family sold the company to Berkshire Hathaway Inc., presided over by Chairman Warren Buffett and Vice Chairman Charles Munger. Utilizing his philosophy of acquiring solid companies where he could follow his "hands off" policy, Warren Buffett installed Charles N. Huggins as President and CEO.

Charles Huggins dedicated himself to the continuance of the company he joined in 1951, guiding it with the old-fashioned values set by Charles See until his retirement at the end of 2005. He is succeeded by current See's President and CEO, Brad Kinstler, himself a longtime Berkshire Hathaway team member. Today See's Candies are sold in over two hundred shops throughout the Western United States, a true sign of their enduring popularity.

Wedding Candy

In Italy and other Mediterranean cultures, candy-coated almonds, commonly referred to as Jordan almonds, are traditionally a favor rich in symbolism: the bittersweet taste of fresh almonds represents life; the sweetness of the candy coating symbolizes the hope for a life more sweet than bitter.

Jordan almonds are most often covered in a white or pastel colored sugar coating. Yet this should not be an obstacle for chocolate lovers. As a wedding candy, chocolate covered Jordan almonds allow one to mix a bit of tradition with great taste.

In the past, dried fruits, served as a form of wedding candy. Dried fruits give a more natural feel to the celebration Their natural quality suggests the bounty of a harvest—an appropriate gesture for those having outdoor weddings or receptions in the spring or summer. Whether it was apricots, apples, oranges, and plums, or even tropical fruits like bananas, pineapples, and mangoes.

Now, of course, one cannot mention wedding candy without discussing the butter mint. This creamy candy is a popular favor at most wedding receptions. Typically served in small dishes or incorporated as part of a larger centerpiece for the table, this candy will likely remain the most popular wedding candy in use.

More recently, new trends in wedding candy have produced some interesting results. For instance, some wedding planners include personalized candy in their arrangements. Whether, it is personalized wrappers that have the names of the bride and groom or just special nuptial well wishes, you can literally have whatever design you desire.

Brand name chocolate bars like Hershey’s are transformed into the perfect party favor for receptions. Following the example of Valentine’s candy hearts, there are now conversation hearts that are made especially for weddings as favors. A more playful example of wedding candy might include heart-shaped lollipops.

For most of these new wedding candy options, you will need to go to a specialty candy store. If there you can’t find one close by great alternative would be to simply get online. You will be able to find just what you need at nearly hundreds websites that deal exclusively with wedding candy. Happy candy hunting!