Leo Stefanos facts for kids

Leo Stefanos was a clever inventor and business owner. He created the famous Dove chocolate bar. He owned a shop called Dove Candies & Ice Cream in Chicago.

Who Was Leo Stefanos?

Leo Stefanos was born in Greece. He later moved to the United States. He settled in Chicago's South Side, Illinois. There, he started his family and his business.

The Sweet Idea

Leo Stefanos had a special reason for inventing the Dove Bar. One day, his young son, Michael, ran after an ice cream truck. Leo was worried about his son's safety. He wanted to keep his children, Michael, Chris, and Amy, closer to home.

So, Leo decided to make his own ice cream bar. He hoped this would keep his kids from chasing the truck. This sweet idea led to the creation of the Dove chocolate-covered ice cream bar.

From Local Treat to Global Brand

For many years, the delicious Dove bars were sold only in the Chicago area. In 1977, Leo's son, Michael, took over the family business. Michael helped the company grow even more.

In 1986, Michael Stefanos sold the business to Mars, Incorporated. This big company helped make Dove chocolate bars famous all over the world.