Frankford Candy & Chocolate Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Confectionary |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Founder | Sam Himmelstein |
| Headquarters | Frankford, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
Key people | Christopher Munyan (CEO) |
Number of employees | 200 |
| Parent | Family Owned |
| Website | Official website |
Frankford Candy & Chocolate Company is an American candy manufacturer, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1947 by Sam Himmelstein.
History
In 1947, Sam Himmelstein, a Russian immigrant, founded Frankford Candy & Chocolate Company in Harrowgate, although they would move to South Philadelphia in 1955.[1] Frankford Candy & Co. was well known for their chocolate bunnies, although would later expand to other products. In 1982, Himmelstein was elected to the Candy Hall of Fame before dying in 1993.[2]
In the 2000s, Frankford Candy & Chocolate Company became a very successful manufacturer. It is one of the largest producers of chocolate rabbits in the United States, making over 100 varieties.[3] Stuart Selarnick, whose wife is the granddaughter of Himmelstein, was appointed as company president in 1998 and then CEO in 2000.[4] Selarnick assisted Frankford in licensing popular children's TV shows, such as SpongeBob SquarePants.[5] This partnership helped them create many successful products, such as gummy Krabby Patties. Frankford produces their candy in China, Pennsylvania and Italy.[6]
In 2005, Frankford consolidated into a single factory in northeast Philadelphia, a project that cost over $20 million.[7] The old factory on Washington Avenue was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017 before being purchased and subsequently demolished.[8][9]
Frankford purchased Cap Candy, a division of Hasbro, and the Wonder Ball from Nestlé in the 2000s.[7] Wonder Ball has been reintroduced to the confectionery market in recent years following a temporary absence. Wonder Balls have utilized themed candy for Despicable Me, Super Mario, PAW Patrol, and Space Jam: A New Legacy.
In 2025, Frankford announced a transition to a new CEO, Christopher Munyan, who had been with the company for 38 years.[10]
References
- ^ "Candy and Candymakers". Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "sam himmelstein obituary". The Philadelphia Inquirer. 1993-04-08. p. 9. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ Kleiman 1989.
- ^ "Stuart Selarnick". Candy Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ Brubaker 2006.
- ^ "Frankford Mallo-Licious Strawberry - Candy Blog". www.candyblog.net.
- ^ a b Allen, Peter Van (November 28, 2005). "A sweetheart chocolate deal". www.bizjournals.com.
- ^ Romero, Melissa (2018-01-03). "Frankford Chocolate Factory earns spot on National Register of Historic Places". Curbed Philly. Archived from the original on April 25, 2018. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Good and Plenty of Progress at Former Chocolate Factory Site". OCF Realty. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Frankford Candy announces CEO transition | Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery". www.snackandbakery.com. Retrieved 2025-10-27.
Sources
- Brubaker, Harold (2006-12-08). "Healthful treats, but candy, too". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- Kleiman, Dena (1989-03-22). "Where Chocolate Bunnies Come From". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- Frankford Candy sweet on a license to thrill – Philadelphia Business Journal
- Candy company acquires Wonderball brand – Philadelphia Business Journal
- A sweetheart chocolate deal – Philadelphia Business Journal