Amy's Candy Bar
 Logo for Amy's Candy Bar | |
| Private | |
| Industry | |
| Founded | Chicago, Illinois, United States (June 2011) |
| Founder | Amy Hansen |
| Headquarters | Chicago, United States |
Number of locations | 1 |
| Website |
amyscandybar |
Amy's Candy Bar is a confectionery store located in Chicago. The store was opened in June 2011 and is owned by Amy Hansen, a graduate of Chicago's French Pastry School. The store is well known for its caramels which are made in house. The store has been recognized by Food & Wine and was also featured on the talk show, Steve Harvey.
History
The store's owner, Amy Hansen, graduated from Chicago's French Pastry School at Kennedy-King College in 2006.[1] Hansen had worked in various positions in the marketing industry until 2010, after being laid-off, when she began planning to open a candy store.[2][3] Hansen was able to obtain a grant from the Small Business Improvement Fund from the Chicago city government in addition to a small business loan to assist with starting costs and redesigning the interior.[3] In June 2011, the store opened at its present location along Damen Avenue in the Ravenswood neighborhood. The store was designed to appear as a boutique with a European atmosphere, which is reflected in the glass jars lining the walls that store the various products.[4]
Products
Amy's Candy Bar carries a variety of chocolate, gummies, and licorice products,[5] and sells over 200 different candies.[6] While products are generally domestic, many sweets are imported from various parts of Europe such as Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.[3][7] In addition, Amy's Candy Bar also carries caramels and nougat that are made by Hansen.[8] The recipe for the homemade caramels and its other varieties was inspired from the French Pastry School, and consists of a butter from Europe, sea salt, glucose, organic cream, and vanilla bean.[9] The caramels are considered to be a highlight of the establishment.[5][9]
The store also features a selection of ice cream[10] and can also provide customized baked goods[5] such as sugar cookies and cupcakes.[11]
Awards
Amy's Candy Bar was named "Coolest Candy Store" by Time Out Chicago Kids,[12] and was included on Food & Wine's Ultimate Candy Guide[13] as well as their "5 Best New Candy Shops".[6] In addition, the store was featured on the talk show Steve Harvey, and was given one year of free access to an e-commerce platform to begin online sales of their products.[14]
External links
References
- ↑ "Amy's Candy Bar from graduate, Amy Hansen '06, Featured in Chicago Talks". The French Pastry School of Kennedy-King College. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ↑ Wetli, Patty. "Coming Soon: Amy's Candy Bar". Center Square Journal. Center Square Journal, Inc.. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- 1 2 3 Sanchez, Angelica. "Around Lincoln Square: The Sweet Touch Of Amy's Candy Bar". Chicagotalks. Chicagotalks. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ↑ Tamarkin, David. "Amy's Candy Bar to set up shop in Ravenswood". TimeOut Chicago. Time Out Chicago Partners LLLP. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- 1 2 3 "From grandma's kitchen to Amy's Candy Bar". Candy Industry. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- 1 2 Quinlan, Christine. "5 best new candy shops". Food & Wine. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ↑ "International selections". Amy's Candy Bar. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ↑ Todd, Anthony. "First Look - Amy's Candy Bar". The Chicagoist. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- 1 2 Dolinsky, Steve (22 December 2012). "Amy's Candy Bar offers delightful and unique sweet treats". ABC 7 Chicago. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ↑ "Amy's Candy Bar". Time Out Chicago Kids. Time Out Chicago Partners LLLP. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ↑ "Baked Goods". Amy's Candy Bar. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ↑ Sheehan, Martina. "Coolest Candy Store | Hipsqueak Awards 2012". Time Out Chicago Kids. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ↑ "Ultimate Candy Guide". Food & Wine.
- ↑ "Amy's Candy Bar". Steve Harvey. NBCUniversal. Retrieved 29 July 2013.