FLYING FUDGE SHOPS
In 1960, Detroit entrepreneur Harry Ryba brought his candy business, RYBA’S FUDGE to the Island and changed everything. Instead of making fudge in the back room, he brought the marble fudge cooling slabs up front in plain view through large windows attracting visitors strolling down Main Street, while exhaust fans blew the sweet chocolate smell out into the street. This famous market- ing strategy has not changed in 60 years. Sweet in every sense. Since 1947, KILWINS has earned a reputation for providing high-quality chocolates, ice cream, and confections combined with excellent service through a successful community of caring owner operators. It’s where people celebrate, vacation, and share the experience of life, family, and gifting in a nostalgic Americana setting. SANDERS Fine Chocolates began in Detroit back in 1875 when Fred Sanders borrowed a barrel of sugar to start his first chocolate shop. With candy stores located all over the region, Sanders found its way to Mackinac Island where this beautiful store follows Fred Sanders’ original philosophy; to provide premium confections at a fair value. Joan and Frank Nephew opened their first JOANN’S FUDGE Store on Mackinac in 1969. A second store was opened the following year and a third in 1980. Today, Joann’s Fudge is a third-generation family business that “Money can't buy happiness but it can buy chocolate, which is the same thing.”
continues Joan and Frank’s commitment to providing high-quality products. All the Island fudge shops market their fine freshly made candies, caramel corn, chocolates and fudge using various methods, but fudge is still made the same way. Fresh heavy cream, real butter and fine quality sugar are heated in copper kettles to a specific temperature. Then, the hot creamy mixture is flavored and poured onto thick marble slabs to cool. Skilled candy makers then paddle it as it thickens and cools into a long loaf shape. Then, a sharp knife cuts 1/2 lb slices and immediately is sold to onlookers. Try some, it’s what Mackinac Island is famous for.
- Gina Hayes
Inside Mackinac 49
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