Step into the heart of Chicago’s sweet history, right here in front of Ferrara Candy Company. Across the street, you can almost feel the nostalgia of Salvatore Ferrara’s first candy shop, a tiny bakery in Little Italy. The year was 1908, and Salvatore, an Italian immigrant, brought his passion for confectionery to Chicago. He started with those delectable candy-coated almonds, “confetti,” a popular treat at Italian weddings. Little did he know that his “confetti” would soon be the start of a multi-million-dollar candy empire.
The word was out about Salvatore’s sweet creations. By 1919, he built his first dedicated candy factory, a 15,000-square-foot facility on Taylor Street, where Ferrara Candy Company called home for the next four decades. Salvatore, along with his brothers-in-law, Salvatore Buffardi and Anello Pagano, had a vision: to invent and produce candies that would become household names. Their first big hit? Jaw Busters, a jaw-breaking candy that has been a classic since 1919.
The Ferrara Candy Company became known for its innovative sweet creations. They took a classic candy, the jawbreaker, and gave it a spicy kick with Atomic Fireballs, a bright red hard candy that would explode onto the candy scene in 1954. It was the perfect mix of sweet and spice. And then, from a simple lemon, was born the Lemonhead, the sour and sweet combination. The story goes that Nello Ferrara, Salvatore’s son, looked so much like a lemon, that the candy was christened with his name.
From little Italy to national fame. Ferrara Candy Company continued to grow and merge, acquiring iconic brands like Brach’s, Trolli, and even the magical Willy Wonka line. Today, Ferrara Candy Company stands as a testament to the power of sweet dreams and a legacy of flavor. Just close your eyes and let the sweet aroma of candy fill your senses – it’s a real taste of Chicago’s history, made with love, and endless imagination.