Founded in 1987 by aerospace-industry engineer Kevin Baker, Bakers Candies makes its signature chocolate meltaways in Greenwood, Nebraska. The 100% family-owned and operated company runs four automated production lines in a 40,000-square-foot plant, producing more than half a million pounds annually. Its meltaways, sold in the familiar foil wraps, helped earn the company the “Blue Collar Gourmet” name and have become a Nebraska tradition.
Anthony-Thomas ChocolatesSince 1952, Columbus-based Anthony-Thomas Chocolates has made buckeyes and assorted milk and dark chocolates, building a local candy tradition around its signature confections. The family-owned business draws on five generations of experience and produces its chocolates in a 175,000-square-foot factory, where eleven lines make 30,000 pounds per shift. Anthony-Thomas also offers personalized candy bars and event boxes for weddings, parties, and businesses.COLUMBUS, OH
Gardners Candies IncSince 1897, Gardners Candies has been making chocolate confections in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, growing from Pike Gardner’s horse-drawn candy wagon into a producer known for its Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®. The company’s history also reaches into everyday American tradition: its early decorative candy boxes helped inspire the heart-shaped box associated with Valentine’s Day. Now part of the Sarris Family Company, Gardners operates stores across Central Pennsylvania and supports hundreds of organizations through its fundraising program.311352TYRONE, PA
Watson’s ChocolatesSince two Watson brothers and their wives began making chocolates in a Kenmore soda fountain in 1946, Watson’s Chocolates has grown into a family-owned Western New York confectioner best known for its hand-crafted sponge candy. Four generations of Watsons oversee the company, whose candy makers still use the original family recipes and small-batch methods at its Tonawanda manufacturing facility. Watson’s now supplies eight regional retail shops and ships its Buffalo tradition across the country.TONAWANDA, NY
Just Born Quality ConfectionsFrom its Bethlehem headquarters and candy factory, Just Born Quality Confections makes the PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS® candies that have made the family-owned company a familiar name since 1923. Now in its third generation, Just Born employs more than 600 associates and produces candy in the USA and Canada, with PEANUT CHEWS® continuing to be made in Philadelphia. Its Bethlehem production facility is SQF certified, and the company remains privately held while carrying on a distinctly family-rooted confectionery tradition.BETHLEHEM, PA