Margie's Candies facts for kids
Margie’s Candies is the name of two super popular sweet shops in Chicago. They are owned by the same family. Each spot is both a candy store and a fun ice cream parlor. The first Margie's has been open for over 90 years. Many people think it's a true "Chicago legend."
Contents
A Sweet History
The First Margie's
The first Margie's is on Western Avenue in Chicago's Bucktown area. It started in 1921 as the Security Sweet Shop. A Greek immigrant named Peter George Poulos opened it. He soon gave the business to his son, George. Some stories say that the famous Chicago mobster Al Capone visited the sweet shop back then.
In 1933, George Poulos changed the name to Margie’s Candies. He named it after his wife, Margie. They had met at the sweet shop when they were young. Margie started running the business in the 1940s. This was while her husband was away serving in the military. She took full control in 1954 after her husband passed away. Margie worked at the restaurant for about 15 hours a day. She became a very well-known face to all the customers.
Margie’s became even more famous in Chicago in 1965. This was when the Beatles visited! They had just played a concert nearby. The Poulos family says the band came in with five girls. They ordered several six-scoop "Atomic Sundaes" to share. Today, Margie’s has a big display of Beatles items. This helps remember their special visit.
The North Center Margie's
Margie Poulos passed away in 1995. Her son, Peter, then took over the business. In 2005, he opened a second Margie’s Candies. This new shop is in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago. It took the place of a closed Fannie May candy store. This was the first time Margie's had expanded to a second location.
What's on the Menu?
Both Margie's locations have almost the same menu. Even though they are called Margie’s Candies, they are most famous for their homemade ice cream. They offer over fifty different kinds of sundaes! These include the "Atomic Sundae" and the huge "World’s Largest Sundae." The "Royal George" has twenty-five scoops. It is named after George Poulos.
They also serve other yummy treats. You can find banana splits, waffle cones, and milkshakes. Their candy and chocolate selection is also great. They have chocolate-covered cherries, chocolate-covered nuts, marzipan, and fudge. You can also get a small selection of diner food. This includes burgers, sandwiches, and soups.
Old-Fashioned Look
The first Margie’s has kept much of its original look. This old-fashioned style is a big reason why many Chicagoans love it. Some special features include many original Tiffany lamps. There is also a marble soda fountain. The old-fashioned booths have tiny jukeboxes. The whole place is decorated with old newspaper clippings. You can also see stuffed animals and old photos of past customers.
The North Center Margie’s has tried to look like the first store. They use antiques and old photographs to create a similar old-time feel.
