Purdy's Chocolates facts for kids

Purdys Chocolates store at Union Station (Toronto)

Purdys Chocolatier is a well-known Canadian company that makes yummy chocolates and candies. It started in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada. From its big factory, Purdys creates many different kinds of chocolates and treats. These are then sent to all its stores.

Some of their special chocolates include truffles, famous hazelnut Hedgehogs, caramels, and creams. Many Purdys stores also make fresh ice cream bars. You can watch them dip and cover your ice cream bar with your favorite toppings!

Purdys started opening stores outside of British Columbia in 1970. Their first stores opened in Alberta. Later, in 2004, they expanded into Ontario. Today, there are over 70 Purdys stores across Canada. You can find them in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.

The Sweet Story of Purdys Chocolatier

The Purdys company was started in 1907 by a man named Richard Carmon Purdy. He opened his very first chocolate shop on Robson Street in Vancouver.

Richard Purdy used to be a barber. After a sad event in his life, he moved to British Columbia to start fresh in Vancouver. He began making chocolate recipes in his home kitchen. Then, he would sell his homemade chocolates on the streets. This way, he built up a small group of excited customers. In 1907, he opened his first proper chocolate shop on Robson Street. This street was becoming a busy shopping area in downtown Vancouver.

How Purdys Overcame Challenges

In the 1920s, Purdy's business ran into some money troubles. To help save the company, some of Purdy's main lenders sent their best bookkeeper, Hugh Forrester. He worked hard to get the company back on track. After a few years, Hugh Forrester successfully paid back all the company's debts.

The lenders were so impressed with Hugh's work that they decided to sell the company to him for just $1! Richard Purdy still loved making chocolates. Even after selling his business, he continued to make and sell his products from a street cart in Vancouver. He later opened another chocolate shop called Window Made Candy in Burnaby, British Columbia. He retired a few years later and passed away in 1943.

Growing the Chocolate Business

In the 1940s, Hugh Forrester's son, Frank, joined the family business. They updated how chocolates were made and moved the factory to a bigger place in Vancouver. The Forresters slowly grew the company. However, in the early 1960s, Hugh and Frank had different ideas for the company's future. Because of this, they decided to sell Purdys in 1963 to two new owners, Charles Flavelle and Eric Wilson.

Purdys continued to grow and offer more products throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. At first, they only made dark chocolates. But then, they started making milk chocolates and chocolate bars too. In 1971, Purdys opened its first store outside of British Columbia in Calgary, Alberta. In 1982, the Purdys factory and main office moved to a large new building. This factory is 57,000 square feet! In the early 1990s, Purdys Chocolatier introduced its very popular Hedgehog line of chocolates.