Chicago's reign as the "Candy Capital of the World" from the 1880s through the mid-20th century. The title held firm from the 1920s to the 1960s. This dominance stemmed from a perfect storm of factors: skilled European immigrant confectioners, Chicago's central location as a transportation hub, its booming industrial growth, access to abundant Midwestern agricultural ingredients, and a cooler climate ideal for chocolate production.
The 1893 World's Columbian Exposition became a grand stage for Chicago's confectionery prowess, introducing iconic treats like Brownies, Hershey's Chocolate, Carmel Corn, and Juicy Fruit Gum.
The early 1900s saw the birth and expansion of legendary companies like Brach's, Mars, Wrigley, Tootsie Roll, and Fannie May. At its peak, Chicago produced a staggering one-third of all candy in the United States. While consumer preferences shifted and companies consolidated or moved, Chicago's contribution to the world of confections is undeniable. The city fostered innovation and created some of the most beloved and enduring sweet treats and candies.
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| Andes Candies Shop in Chicago. This is not the Devon Avenue location. |
DEVON AVENUE CONFECTIONERIES, ALPHABETICAL
Andes Candies Shops, 2356 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1949
Anton's Inc., 2525 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1930
Barton's Candy & Cards, 2816 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1929
Dittmar's Candies, 2539 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1958
Dittmar's Candies, 2535 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1962
Dutch Mill Candy Shops, 1555 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1935
Dutch Mill Candy Shops, 2331 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1935
Dutch Mill Candy Shops, 2439 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1948
Dutch Mill Candy Shops, 5404½ West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1958
Dutch Mill Candy Shops, 2811 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1958
Devon Candy Shop, 1322 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1940
Devon Confectionery, 1401 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1929
Devon Lake Sweet Shop, 1254 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1942
Devon Oakley Confectionery, 2301 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1929
Devon Sweet Shop, 1526 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1929
Edelman's, 1751 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1938
Fannie May Candy Shops, 2317 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1937
Fannie May Candy Shops, 2411 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1942
Fannie May Candy Shops, 5401 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1962
Mari Martin Candies, 2112 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1949
Nanos, 1552 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1929
New Strand Confectionery Shop, 2115 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1940
North Town Candy Shop, 2600 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1935
Onthank, 2732 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1935
Peacock Confectionery, 5400 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1948
Pogroff, 1526 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1935
Robert Sweet Shop, 2540 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1929
Sosin, 1526 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1937
Stamm's Candy Shop, 2521 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1939
Wynstock, Samuel, 1322 West Devon Avenue, Chicago. 1929
