Sarris Candies
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1960 |
| Founder | Frank Sarris |
| Headquarters | , |
| Products | Baked Goods and Confectionery |
| Website | http://www.sarriscandies.com |
Sarris Candies, Inc., is a specialty chocolate and candies company based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, approximately 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Pittsburgh. It was founded in 1960 by Frank Sarris.[1]
History
Frank Sarris (September 22, 1931 – Mar. 1, 2010[2]) of Canonsburg,[3] the son of Greek immigrants,[4] started his candy business in 1960 by making chocolates in the basement of his Washington County, Pennsylvania, home.[1] Sarris learned how to produce chocolate from lifelong friend and mentor John Macris, a fellow Greek and founder of Philadelphia Candies.[5] By 1963, Sarris had outgrown his basement, so he built a small candy shop next door to his house, and five years later the house was demolished to make room for an even bigger candy shop.[6] Over the years, the company grew to include more than 350 employees and $16 million in annual sales, according to the company's Web site.[1] In 1982, with the help of his son, Sarris created his very own old-fashioned Ice cream parlor complete with period-style, red and brass booths and shimmering crystal chandeliers.[6] Today, the Sarris Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Parlour fill an area the size of a football field with over 100 yards of chocolate, penny candy, ice cream and lifelike plush toys.[6] Sarris' candies can be found at hundreds of annual fundraising events to kiosks in more than 500 Hallmark stores around the country.[7]
On February 3, 2012, the factory caught fire shortly before 7AM with 20,000 pounds of chocolate but has since been restored.
Awards and honors
- 1994–2010: Voted Best Chocolates in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh City Paper[8]
- 2000: Best of City Search - Pittsburgh[8]
- 2001: Small Business Association's Pennsylvania Small Business Person of the Year[8]
- 2002: Washington & Jefferson College Entrepreneur of the Year[8]
- 2002: Named to Pittsburgh Business Times list of Fastest-Growing Companies[8]
References
- ^ a b c Cato, Jason. Canonsburg 'Candy Man' Sarris dies at 78, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). Tuesday, March 2, 2010.
- ^ findagrave.com
- ^ Frank Sarris, 78 of Canonsburg, passed away Monday, March 1, 2010, in his home., Observer-Reporter (Washington, Pennsylvania). March 3, 2010.
- ^ Sarris Candies founder dies, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). Tuesday, March 02, 2010.
- ^ Source: Company archives
- ^ a b c sarriscandies.com history
- ^ Bradwell, Michael. Frank Sarris dies at 78, Observer-Reporter (Washington, Pennsylvania). March 3, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e sarriscandies.com awards
