Did you know Palmer Candy is the very oldest company of its size to be continuously family owned in the United States? Since creating the company in 1878, the Palmer family has grown its name
Did you know Palmer Candy is the very oldest company of its size to be continuously family owned in the United States? Since creating the company in 1878, the Palmer family has grown its name and legacy, far surpassing Sioux City, becoming recognized nation-wide and world-wide.
Quick History Lesson
Edward Cook Palmer moved his family from St. Joseph, Michigan to Sioux City after a fire destroyed their home. Here in Sioux City he purchased a wholesale grocery store.
From there, E.C. Palmer’s son, William B. Palmer, opened a wholesale fruit company in 1892. Then in 1900 the Palmers diversified into the candy business.
The now famous Twin Bing candy bar was created in 1923, and almost twenty years later in 1941 the Palmers began its peanut-roasting department.
In 1969, the family decided to close its doors on the fruit company, allowing them to fully focus on making candy.
Because of their continuous growth, the Palmer Candy Company moved to a larger location in 1979. Yet again, in 2004, the need for expansion arose, and the company built an addition to their production plant, increasing the square feet by 300,000.
The Old Time Candy Shoppe
The Old Time Candy Shoppe opened in 2007, and you can feel the nostalgia when you walk in. Chicken-wire tile foyer when you first enter. Old hard wood floors that creek with every hollow foot-step.
Antique machinery on display, everything from rollers, presses, candy cutters to cooking kettles. You’ll learn how they began the process of making candies over 100 years ago, and maybe leave with a hand-dipped truffle.
There are multiple bins full of any candy you could imagine. Associates walk the floor ready to bag up your selections.
More Than Candy
Don’t forget there is an organic grocery section all the way to the back of the store. Unique items from all over Iowa, Minnesota and even Utah. Here you’ll also find kitchen utensils and decorative items for you home.
I have brought my mom here, my fiancé and my step-daughter. Every time I go in, I end up taking several pictures, spending half an hour browsing, then making my selections. I arrive with a smile, and leave with one. It’s a unique experience to learn about the mechanisms and machinery, and to hear stories of old Sioux City.
Plan Your Visit
When you make your visit, ensure you ask the associates as many questions as possible. They are highly educated in the history of the Palmer Candy Company. And if you’d like more information about the company and its beginnings, feel free to browse their website: https://palmercandy.com.
Shoppe Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
405 Wesley Parkway
Sioux City, IA 51103
712-258-5543