Shannon’s Kandy Kitchen is a family owned and operated business with three locations in our region: Mercer, Slippery Rock, and Grove City. They offer fine chocolates for any occasion, and delicious treats even without an occasion!
What is a short description of what your business is and what it does?
We are a three generation family business that manufactures fine chocolates. We start the process by making our centers from scratch on site at our Mercer location to chocolate coating and final packaging.
What’s the story behind your business?
In the early 60’s, my grandmother, Ruth Shannon turned her hobby of making chocolates for neighbors and friends into a business out of the basement of the family home. During the summer months, she would travel to local fairs to promote her fudge and connect with customers. In the 70’s, the business had grown enough that she needed more space. She moved the business to our current Mercer location, where they renovated an old gas station into a chocolate manufacturing facility. In the early 2000’s, my grandmother retired and my father, the second generation, along with my mother took over the business. They opened the second location in Slippery Rock in 2007. In 2014, I joined the business as the third generation and opened a location in Grove City.
What is a best selling product you provide?
When it comes to an everyday purchase, the mint sandwiches are the best selling product. However, the chocolate covered strawberries we offer during selected holidays and at our summer events, quickly takes the number one spot for the company as a whole.
When is your busiest season?
Christmas is our busiest season because we are servicing not only our daily customers but corporations to provide gifts for clients and employees.
What is something people would be surprised to know about your business?
Many people believe we do not have the capability or resources to compete with larger competitors because we are a mom and pop business. In reality, we have a website with an online store where you can purchase our chocolate and have it shipped anywhere in the U.S..
Can you tell us about a memorable or favorite customer experience?
During a local customer’s deployment overseas he was asked by family members what he would like to have to feel like home. He asked to have our mint sandwiches sent to him. When he came home, he told us they had melted into a block and he, along with his friends, would chisel away a little bit each day but it tasted just like home.
How is your business responding to COVID-19?
We have turned to our online presence via social media and our online store to continue to promote the business and generate sales.
How can the community support you now and going forward?
We have been so grateful for the three communities our locations are in. Continuing to consider us for birthdays, anniversaries and other special events outside of the traditional chocolate holidays. Many people enjoy receiving high quality chocolate as a gift because it is not something they would purchase for themselves.
Is there anything else you’d like us to talk about?
To find out more about our company and products, visit our website www.shannonskandykitchen.com or follow us on Facebook & Instagram for behind the scenes and product information.
Comments are closed