Visit the sweet history of chocolate in the Alleghenies
by Jodie Dello Stritto
O’Shea’s Candies Facebook
The Alleghenies boasts many locally-made products, but the sweetest among them is chocolate. These candy makers have been at it since the 1890s-1900s and have continued to delight generations of customers. Stop in for a visit at one of these local favorites or create your own Alleghenies chocolate tour!
Boyer Candy Company, Home of the Mallo Cup
Boyer Candies Facebook
Boyer Candy Company, in the heart of Altoona, is a sweet slice of Americana with a rich history dating back to 1936. Founded by brothers Bill and Bob Boyer during the Great Depression, the company began as a home-based operation. The Boyers’ ingenuity led to the creation of the iconic Mallo Cup, a chocolate-covered marshmallow treat that has become a local symbol of sweetness.
Today, Boyer Candy continues to thrive under the ownership of Consolidated Brands. The company’s product line still includes the classic Mallo Cup, as well as other favorites like Smoothies and Peanut Butter Cups. Boyer also manufactures the popular Clark Bar, once made in Pittsburgh.
Visitors can experience the magic of Boyer Candy firsthand. The factory, located in Downtown Altoona, offers tours that provide a glimpse into the candy-making process and the storied past of this beloved brand. You can also shop for your favorite items. Visit BoyerCandies.com for times.
Bedford Candies: A sweet staple in Bedford County
Bedford Candies Facebook
Bedford Candies has been a sweet staple in Bedford County for over 80 years. Founded in 1929 by George B. Sotirokos, this family-owned business has been delighting customers with its handcrafted chocolates and gourmet popcorn. The store, which has been passed down through three generations of the Sotirokos family, continues to uphold the tradition of quality and personal touch that has made it a local favorite.
Visitors to Bedford Candies can indulge in a variety of treats, from homemade fudge in an array of flavors to seasonal items and a selection of popular and old-school candy.
Check BedfordCandies.com for hours and make sure to add your itinerary on your next trip to charming and historic Downtown Bedford, or visit their location in Altoona.
O’Shea’s Candies: A family with a passion for chocolate
O’Shea’s Candies Facebook
O’Shea’s Candies has been a beloved Johnstown institution since 1934. Founded by Thomas and Helen O’Shea, the company is still in the same chocolate factory where it began in the city’s Walnut Grove area. After Tom and Helen opened their factory and penny candy store, it was a local tradition for school children to save up their pennies for a treat. Helen took the trolley to Downtown offices and handed out samples, returning the next day to take orders.
Second-generation owners Bob O’Shea and his wife, Kay, continued the family business in the 60s, opening a second store in the Geistown Shopping Center. They expanded the line of chocolates to include the famous coconut cream Penn pigs and purchased Kuhn Coffee company and its salted nuts business. Russ and Karen (O’Shea) Brubaker opened a third store in Westmont when they took over the business.
Visitors can experience the taste of a bygone area with over 60 varieties of handmade chocolates made the “old-fashioned” way using methods developed over 80 years ago. Check out OSheasCandies.com for location information and hours.
Gardners Candies: Growing through innovation
Gardner’s Candies Facebook
Gardners Candies became part of the community of Tyrone when it was founded by James “Pike” Gardner when he was just 16 years old. Since its humble beginnings, Gardners has grown into the sixth-largest producer of chocolate in the United States, built on a commitment to innovation.
Pike started by selling candy, popcorn and peanuts, using a horse-drawn wagon to take his products to local fairs and carnivals. His creative spirit led to a partnership with local cigar-box maker. Together, they created square boxes decorated with satin, bows and frills. Eventually, squares became hearts, leading to the iconic heart-shaped box of chocolates.
When Pike’s daughter Nancy Black and her husband David Black too in 1951, they expanded into manufacturing. With help from Penn State’s Food Science department, David created the now-famous Original Peanut Butter Meltaway, another unique Gardners innovation. Penn State students began selling the meltaway bars to raise funds for their fraternities and sororities, giving rise to the Gardners Candies Fundraising program, which today helps hundreds of organizations raise funds.
Today, visitors can explore the company’s rich history and indulge in its delectable treats at its flagship store in downtown Tyrone. More than just a candy shop, the location includes a candy museum that showcases the evolution of Gardners products as well as an ice cream parlor. Visit GardnersCandies.com for hours and a list of other locations across the Alleghenies and western Pennsylvania.
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
