Amy's Candy Bar
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | |
| Founded | Chicago, Illinois, United States (June 2011) |
| Founder | Amy Hansen |
| Headquarters | , United States |
Number of locations | 1 |
| Website | amyscandybar |
Amy's Candy Bar is a confectionery store located in Chicago. The store was opened in June 2011 and is owned by Amy Hansen, a graduate of Chicago's French Pastry School. The store is well known for its caramels which are made in house. The store has been recognized by Food & Wine and was also featured on the talk show Steve Harvey.
History
[edit]The store's owner, Amy Hansen, graduated from Chicago's French Pastry School at Kennedy-King College in 2006.[1] Hansen had worked in various positions in the marketing industry until 2010, after being laid-off, when she began planning to open a candy store.[2][3] Hansen was able to obtain a grant from the Small Business Improvement Fund from the Chicago city government in addition to a small business loan to assist with starting costs and redesigning the interior.[3] In June 2011, the store opened at its present location along Damen Avenue in the Ravenswood neighborhood. The store was designed to appear as a European-style boutique, which is reflected in the glass jars lining the walls that store the various products.[4]
Products
[edit]Amy's Candy Bar carries a variety of chocolate, gummies, and licorice products,[5] and sells over 200 different candies.[6] While products are generally domestic, many sweets are imported from various parts of Europe such as Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.[3][7] In addition, Amy's Candy Bar also carries caramels and nougat that are made by Hansen.[8] The recipe for the homemade caramels and its other varieties was inspired from the French Pastry School, and consists of a butter from Europe, sea salt, glucose, organic cream, and vanilla bean.[9] The caramels are considered to be a highlight of the establishment.[5][9]
The store also features a selection of ice cream[10] and can also provide customized baked goods[5] such as sugar cookies and cupcakes.[11]
Awards and recognition
[edit]In 2015, Amy's Candy Bar was recognized by Time magazine in an article, "These Are America's Best Candy Shops", and also highlighted some of the products made in house including sea-salt caramels and their OMG Candy Bar.[12] It was also named "Coolest Candy Store" by Time Out Chicago Kids,[13] and was included on Food & Wine's Ultimate Candy Guide[14] as well as their "5 Best New Candy Shops".[6] In addition, the store was featured on the talk show Steve Harvey, and was given one year of free access to an e-commerce platform to begin online sales of their products.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ "Amy's Candy Bar from graduate, Amy Hansen '06, Featured in Chicago Talks". The French Pastry School of Kennedy-King College. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ Wetli, Patty. "Coming Soon: Amy's Candy Bar". Center Square Journal. Center Square Journal, Inc.. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ a b c Sanchez, Angelica. "Around Lincoln Square: The Sweet Touch Of Amy's Candy Bar". Chicagotalks. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ Tamarkin, David. "Amy's Candy Bar to set up shop in Ravenswood". TimeOut Chicago. Time Out Chicago Partners LLLP. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ a b c "From grandma's kitchen to Amy's Candy Bar". Candy Industry. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ a b Quinlan, Christine. "5 best new candy shops". Food & Wine. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ^ "International selections". Amy's Candy Bar. Archived from the original on 14 September 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ^ Todd, Anthony. "First Look - Amy's Candy Bar". The Chicagoist. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ a b Dolinsky, Steve (22 December 2012). "Amy's Candy Bar offers delightful and unique sweet treats". ABC 7 Chicago. Archived from the original on 29 July 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ "Amy's Candy Bar". Time Out Chicago Kids. Time Out Chicago Partners LLLP. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ "Baked Goods". Amy's Candy Bar. Archived from the original on 14 September 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ^ Bethune, Meredith (4 February 2015). "These Are America's Best Candy Shops". Time. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
- ^ Sheehan, Martina. "Coolest Candy Store / Hipsqueak Awards 2012". Time Out Chicago Kids. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ^ "Ultimate Candy Guide". Food & Wine.
- ^ "Amy's Candy Bar". Steve Harvey. NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on 9 September 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
