Prince ’ s son , Jon Prince , is carrying on the torch . Prince also owns and operates CandyFavorites . com , a separate but complementary entity .
From the onset , McKeesport Candy Co . has distinguished itself as a service-focused enterprise .
“‘ Candy is what we sell , but service is what we deliver ’ has been one of the company ’ s mottos ,” says Prince . Over time , it has evolved into a boutique supplier , specializing in hardto-find retro candies and providing highly personalized support to large and small corporations .
The company ’ s pioneering efforts included being the first to offer private-label bagged candy called Todd ’ s — now sold nationwide under the CandyFavorites label . A dedication to quality over quantity underscores its role as a medium-sized wholesaler dedicated to unique offerings .
“ I had to make a conscious decision as to whether to become a large company or maintain a more manageable size . To maintain the tradition of quality that has guided our company for nine decades , I decided to focus on quality rather than quantity , and thus we created a model that allowed us to maintain our goal of providing the best customer service ,” explains Prince . “ I guess for us , bigger wasn ’ t better — but the model worked !”
The company ’ s ability to adapt has also been central to its longevity .
Embracing the digital age early , Jon Prince launched McKandy . com , whose name paid homage to the original company founded by his grandfather . Then he changed the name to CandyFavorites . com , becoming the first online candy supplier long before Internet access was part of our everyday life . The vision extended globally , as the company became the first American candy exporter to the United Kingdom .
Today , it ships to all 50 states and worldwide , continuously refining the website to not only sell candy but also serve as an educational tribute to the American candy industry .
With a candy warehouse spanning an entire city block , McKeesport Candy Co . boasts the largest selection of confections in the region . Every item in the wholesale division is also available online , allowing customers to explore a diverse inventory that caters to every sweet tooth .
Beyond business success , McKeesport Candy Co . has been deeply rooted in the local Mon Valley community . It has consistently hired locally and maintained a loyal cash-and-carry clientele . Many families have worked for the company across generations — reflecting its strong community ties — and many customers have been visiting the warehouse for decades !
For 15 years , McKeesport Candy Co . operated a retail store , The Candy Tree , at Monroeville Mall . Located near the iconic ice skating rink , the store gained pop-culture fame by appearing in George Romero ’ s “ Dawn of the Dead .” The store closed by the ‘ 90s , a few years after the rink closed .
As McKeesport Candy Co . nears its 100th anniversary , the focus remains on maintaining its rich heritage while continuing to embrace technological advancements . In 2024 , the website had a major technical and stylistic overhaul , using archival candy and company photographs , making it one of the most advanced and visually appealing online candy stores . Plans for a centennial celebration are in the works to honor the vision of the founders , the dedication of employees and the loyalty of customers .
“ What a long , strange but fun trip it has been . Our longevity is a testament to our ability to change and to many generations of dedicated employees and managers ,” says Prince . “ Reaching a century will be a huge honor for me , our industry and the community that has supported us .”
The company ’ s motto says , “ The future of candy is rooted in the past .” With a firm foundation and an eye toward innovation , McKeesport Candy Co . and CandyFavorites . com continue to sweeten lives , one candy at a time . n
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