It's no secret that Chicagoans have a sweet tooth; it's in our history. Chicago has been the “candy capital of the world” since the late 1800s. Tootsie Rolls, Brach’s, Frango, Wrigley Gum, Fannie May, and Mars Candy all have roots in Chicago. The Loop, specifically, has a rich history in candy making. Fannie May’s first store was in the Loop's Business District, and Frango mints were produced at Marshall Field's on State Street for 70 years.
While Mars and Tootsie Roll still have confectioneries in Chicago, it is the city's passion for sweet treats that has kept our title strong. To celebrate National Candy Month we are exploring the past and present of candy making in Chicago.
Timeline of Candy Production in Chicago
1904
Emil Brach opened his first store, "Palace of Sweets" with one large cooking vat. By 1923, he had four candy factories operating at capacity.
1929
Frango Mints introduced its recipe. The mints were produced in a large melting pot on the 13th floor of Marshall Field's on State St. Today, a small batch of Frango Mints are made at Macy's on State St., the former location of Marshall Field's, to commemorate the store's history.
