Pandemic-born and women-owned, The Buckeye Lady handcrafts Ohio’s peanut butter-and-chocolate buckeye candy, including its signature Stuffed Buckeyes in rotating varieties. Founded as a fundraiser for service-industry workers, the Columbus confectioner now honors founder Jeremy’s memory by donating a portion of every sale to area dog rescues and shelters.
toby barBorn from the post-retirement partnership of two business executives and Airedale enthusiasts, toby bar makes bite-sized milk chocolate bars with a crunchy peanut butter and molasses center in Ohio. The company pairs its candy-making venture with a practical mission: a portion of every sale supports Airedale Terrier Rescue & Adoption, the volunteer organization that has cared for the founders’ beloved breed.NOVELTY, OH
MFG Toffee & Bark CompanyBorn in Baltimore, MFG Toffee & Bark Company makes small-batch toffees and chocolate barks inspired by flavors from around the world. Owner Kathy Filosi Nelson built the business from an old family English walnut toffee recipe, and the woman-owned company remains rooted in Baltimore’s artisan community through local hiring, community events and product donations to medical workers and first responders. Its retail shop and production kitchen in Little Italy offer a local window into the handmade process.BALTIMORE, MD
Wockenfuss CandiesSince opening its Baltimore candy company in 1915, Wockenfuss Candies has made chocolate specialties and confections, including its signature homemade chocolates and Carmallows. The family-owned business is now operated by the fifth generation—Paul and Lynn’s three daughters—and has grown to six Maryland retail stores while continuing to manufacture candy in Baltimore. Wockenfuss is also a woman-owned business.NOTTINGHAM, MD
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