The Story Behind Sarris Candies
Sweet Beginnings
Sarris Candies began with a sweet gesture that turned into something much bigger. When Frank Sarris gifted a box of chocolates to his sweetheart, Athena, he didn’t just win her heart—he discovered his passion that would become one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved chocolate traditions. Determined to make something even better, Frank began handcrafting chocolate in his basement. As word spread, demand grew, and Sarris Candies was born.
Building a Chocolate Legacy
By 1963, Frank had outgrown his basement and built a small candy shop right next door to his Canonsburg home. As demand continued to grow, so did the store—transforming over the years from a modest storefront into a full-fledged tourist destination. The family home was eventually torn down to make way for further expansion, including the addition of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor in 1979.
A Local Landmark
Our retail store and ice cream parlor has grown over the years to span a full city block, filled with premium chocolates and confections, colorful plush toys, and our famous 1,500 lb. chocolate castle centerpiece. What began as a local favorite has become a beloved landmark visited by thousands of people each year, offering more than just chocolate, but a place to gather, celebrate, and make sweet memories together.
Sarris Candies Today
Today, Sarris Candies is still family-owned and operated, by Frank and Athena’s son Bill, who continues the legacy with a focus on quality, tradition, and customer service. With over 1,200 retail locations across more than 17 states, a thriving mail order and e-commerce business, and a strong presence in fundraising and corporate gifting, Sarris continues to grow—without losing sight of its roots.
Looking Towards the Future
In 2024, we opened our new state-of-the-art production facility, expanding production capabilities while maintaining the handmade quality customers expect. From the factory floor to the retail counter, every piece of candy still reflects the values Frank Sarris built the company on: consistency, quality, and care.
More Than Just Chocolate
From a single box of chocolates to a tradition shared across generations, the story of Sarris Candies is rooted in love, craftsmanship, and community. What began in Frank Sarris’s basement has grown into something far greater—a company that still values hand-crafted quality, personal service, and the joy that comes with sharing something sweet. As we continue to grow and expand, our mission remains the same: to create chocolates that bring people together and moments worth remembering.
