For this week’s Member Monday Feature, we are shining a spotlight on the George J. Howe Company. Here is a little Q&A for you to get to know this local business a bit better.
Please provide a short description of your business and what you do.
The George J. Howe Company is a full-line candy and nut distributor, as well as a purveyor of food service and gourmet coffees
What’s the story behind your business?
George J. Howe opened a tiny grocery store on South Broad Street in Grove City, Pennsylvania in 1917. In an attempt to boost his steady business, he purchased a small coffee roaster and began brewing fresh-ground coffee in the store window. Customers would receive a free pound of Howe’s unique blend if they purchased $10 worth of groceries. Within days, people were traveling from out of town and lining up in droves to scoop up their free pound of coffee. And with that, Howe’s famous gourmet coffee was born.
The demand for Howe’s brew was so high that the innovative grocer sold his store in 1927 and became a full-time coffee roaster. Four years later, he moved into a newly constructed building on Grove City’s West Main Street, which remains the site of its present operation.
With expanded facilities and modern equipment, the company’s product line under the name “Daily Delight” grew beyond just coffee. Fresh roasted peanuts and candy were added as were tea and other semi-perishable products. Over the years, the reputation of Howe’s quality and service continued to spread. The strongest selling point was the freshness of its products. Sales routes expanded, and a fleet of modern delivery trucks were acquired. In 1948, “Here’s Howe” began bagging and distributing candy, a product which later contributed significantly to the company’s overall profitability.
Today, the Howe Company is a full-line candy and nut distributor, as well as a purveyor of food service and gourmet coffees. Mr. Howe’s grandson, Richard Beech, also the son of past company President George Beech, serves as Chief Executive Officer. Richard’s brother-in-law, Ernie May, a member of the National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) Candy Hall of Fame, is company Chairman after serving as president from 1975-2007. Richard May, Micaela May, and Rachel Beech Gilmore also work for the company continuing four generations of family involvement.
“Here’s Howe” products are currently sold in thousands of grocery stores and retail chains east of the Mississippi. Howe’s experienced staff of sales representatives and distributors personally service 90 percent of the company’s accounts.
In 2003, Howe’s began selling its coffee, candy and nuts over the worldwide web at www.georgehowe.com. The company has since added a web store for wholesale customers at www.howewholesale.com.
What is a best/ top selling / favorite product or service you provide/
We have something for everyone. A top candy item is our Jumbo Jelly Beans. They are available in Fruit, Spice, Cinnamon, and Licorice. Our Sneek-a-Diddle coffee is a customer favorite. It is the perfect blend of cinnamon, almond and toasted coconut. From our fresh roasted nut line, everyone loves our cashews.
When is your busiest time/ season?
We are definitely busiest at Christmas and Easter. Candy, Nuts, and coffee make great gifts and also bring people together.
What is something people would be surprised to know about your business?
We do not make any of the candy. We have a lot of customers who believe that we manufacture the candy. Only the Nuts and the Coffee are roasted in house. We bring in all of the candy to our facility in bulk and package it under our brand.
Can you tell us about a memorable or favorite customer experience?
We can’t pick just one. We receive letters, emails, and visits all the time from customers who tell us wonderful stories about our products. They grew up with them, or visiting a grandparent that always had them in their home. Some grew up making a weekly visit to the Howe retail store to pick out their favorite treat and it was one of their favorite childhood memories. Enjoying a treat, snacking, or conversing around coffee brings family and friends together. We love that we have been able to be a part of that for people for 93 years.
How is your business responding to Covid-19.
As an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility we have strict safety measures in place. As part of the grocery supply chain we have remained open. We are following the CDC recommendations. We are making sure our employees are up to date on all requirements, providing masks for all employees, daily temperature checks, staggered lunch breaks, as well other procedures to ensure safety and well-being. We have limited the number of people in our retail store and have made hand sanitizer stations available upon entering. We have also placed shields at the checkout counter, and can have your order ready for pick up if you call ahead. We are staying up-to-date as the information changes so we can make the necessary changes as the situation evolves.
How can the community support you going forward?
We appreciate the communities support over the past 93 years. Our retail store is located at 629 West Main Street and is currently open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.
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