How Did Chicago Become The Candy Capital Of The World?

Chicago was and still is a major candy-producing city in the US. While the Chicago candy business has passed its peak, many major candy companies still produce within the city. Most individuals are familiar with brands such as Mars and Tootsie Rolls, however, 9not many are aware of the history that goes into these establishments and the city that helped get them there. Thanks to perfect locations and economy-boosting circumstances, Chicago was more than qualified to become the candy capital of the world.

Candy in Chicago is just as old as the city itself. In 1837, the same year Chicago became a city, the first candy business was opened by a man named John Muhr (Goddard, 2012, p. 7). After the first candy store opening, the city's candy business flourished while 17 shops opened (Goddard, 2012, p. 7). During the probation, which lasted from 1920-1933, people flocked to bars and taverns newly converted into sweet shops (Beth Kimmerle, UChicago, Oct 10, 2010). The probation helped strengthen the relationship between Chicagoans and confectionary stores city-wide.

Mrs. Synders Homemade Candies was started by a woman named Arora Snyder in 1909 (Beth Kimmerle, UChicago, Oct 10, 2010). By 1935, Arora had 10 locations and by her death in 1948, she had 16 stores that were later sold to Fannie May Candies (Beth Kimmerle, UChicago, Oct 10, 2010). In 1929, Mars moved the Mars Candy Factory from Minnesota to Chicago (Brittany Tepper, LoopChicago, 2014). After changing locations, Mars was able to obtain many famous candy products such as Snickers, M&M's, Skittles, and Twix (Brittany Tepper, LoopChicago, 2014). Many popular Family-based companies started and grew in the city such as World's Finest Chocolate and Ferrara Pan Candy Company. Businesses such as Fanny May were originally created and founded in Chicago, started as family-owned and operated establishments but later became the well-known company it is