Still have to run and buy candy for trick-or-treaters? Consider picking up candy from companies with deep Chicago roots. Here’s a taste of a few, according to WTTW.
Brach’s
Brach’s Palace of Sweets, a candy shop on North Avenue in the early 20th century, will be recreated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York this year. Brach’s candy corn remains a popular Halloween treat.
Ferrara
The family-run bakery in Little Italy made its first branded item in 1932: Red Hots. The company later created Lemonheads and Jaw Busters. Now, Ferrero Group owns the business.
Mars/Wrigley
M&Ms, Snickers, Skittles, and Orbit gum are among the popular brands the company sells. After Mars and Wrigley merged in 2017, the company is now shutting down its Galewood plant.
Baby Ruth candy advertisement in 1927. (Transcendental Graphics / Getty)
Curtiss Candy Company
Supposedly inspired by sports, founder Otto Schnering dreamt up Baby Ruths and Butterfingers. Both are still sold today by Nabisco.
Tootsie Roll
Originally made in New York, the company moved operations to a factory by Midway where it still produces the hand-rolled candy as well as Tootsie Pops, Blow Pops, Junior Mints, and Dots.
Frango Mints
The original treat — which was frozen and custard-like — was made in Seattle. Marshall Field’s bought the West Coast department store that sold the sweet and developed the iconic mint chocolate truffle. Garrett’s Popcorn owns the recipe now.
