Since 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.
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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
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
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