Sarris Candies facts for kids
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| Private | |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Founder | Frank Sarris |
| Headquarters | , |
| Products | Baked Goods and Confectionery |
Sarris Candies, Inc. is a special company that makes delicious chocolate and candies. It is located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, which is about 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Pittsburgh. Frank Sarris started this company in 1960.
Contents
The Story of Sarris Candies
Frank Sarris was born in 1931 and passed away in 2010. He was from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Frank's parents were immigrants from Greece.
How It All Started
Frank began his candy business in 1960. He made chocolates in the basement of his home in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Frank learned how to make chocolate from his good friend and teacher, John Macris. John was also Greek and started a company called Philadelphia Candies.
Growing Bigger and Better
By 1963, Frank's basement was too small for his growing candy business. So, he built a small candy shop right next to his house. Just five years later, the house was taken down to make space for an even larger candy shop!
Over the years, the company grew a lot. It now has more than 350 employees.
The Famous Ice Cream Parlor
In 1982, Frank and his son created an old-fashioned Ice cream parlor. It had cool red and brass booths and shiny crystal chandeliers. It looked like something from a classic movie!
Today, the Sarris Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Parlour are huge. They cover an area as big as a football field! You can find over 100 yards of chocolate, old-fashioned penny candy, ice cream, and even soft, lifelike plush toys there.
Where to Find Sarris Candies
Sarris' candies are very popular. You can find them at hundreds of yearly fundraising events. They are also sold at kiosks in more than 500 Hallmark stores across the country.
A Factory Fire
On February 3, 2012, there was a fire at the factory. It happened early in the morning and involved about 20,000 pounds of chocolate! Luckily, the factory was fixed and is now back to making delicious treats.
