McJak Candy Company grew from Karen McCurdy’s home-kitchen lollipops into a family-owned candy factory in Medina, Ohio, making homemade confections one batch at a time. Founded in 1982 with family recipes and a focus on fundraising and retail, the company now produces its sweets in a 65,000-square-foot facility. Its lollipops remain a signature, alongside home-style fudge and inventive cotton-candy flavors.
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Marie’s CandiesBorn from homemade gifts made by Winfred and Marie King in their Ohio country kitchen, Marie’s Candies has been making small-batch chocolates since opening in 1956. Now third-generation owned by siblings Shannon and Rebecca, the West Liberty confectioner carries that family tradition from a restored train depot that serves as its retail space. Its best-known offerings include customizable chocolate assortments and distinctive treats such as Tur’Kins, a turtle-style candy.WEST LIBERTY, OH
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
Esther Price CandiesFrom a home kitchen in the 1920s to a Dayton-area candy business marking its centennial, Esther Price Candies makes handmade chocolates and confections. Esther Rose Rohman began with fudge, then built a following for chocolate-dipped fillings and bite-size treats; later owners preserved her use of quality ingredients and handmade production practices. Today, the company’s candies remain part of local celebrations and are sold through its retail locations and select grocery stores.DAYTON, OH
Uncle CrunchWoman-owned and family-operated, Uncle Crunch is a small business in Medina, Ohio, built around a shared passion for candy and science. The company uses freeze-drying to transform familiar treats into light, airy snacks, with offerings for people as well as pets.