Savannah's Candy Kitchen
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Confectionery |
| Founded | 1973 in Savannah, Georgia, United States |
| Founder | Stan and Pam Strickland |
| Headquarters | Savannah , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Pralines, candy |
Savannah's Candy Kitchen is a confectionery company established in 1973 by Stan and Pam Strickland in Savannah, Georgia. The business runs eight retail outlets throughout the United States, including its main store located at 225 East River Street in Savannah. Additional shops are situated in Franklin Square's City Market and two locations within Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. It holds the distinction of being the largest praline manufacturer in the United States.
History
The inception of River Street Sweets dates back to 1973 when Stan and Pam Strickland drew inspiration from German Christmas market decorations. Initially, the enterprise faced challenges due to seasonal demand fluctuations and affordable rent. During this period, Pam maintained employment as a teacher and librarian, while Stan was engaged in wine sales. After unsuccessful attempts to sell the business, they redirected their efforts toward pralines after discovering their popularity during a visit to Charleston, South Carolina. In 1978, they procured a fudge-making machine which they modified to produce pralines, despite cautions from the equipment manufacturer.
To cool the pralines, Stan invested in an 800-pound marble slab that also served as an attraction by filling the air with fresh candy scents.
Following their divorce in 1991, Pam retained ownership of the original stores under the River Street Sweets name, whereas Stan launched a competing venture named Savannah's Candy Kitchen on River Street. Their children exclusively worked for Pam’s operation, and communication between the family members ceased for nearly twenty years.
In 1996, production was expanded to a factory located outside Savannah to accommodate mail order demands; this facility has since grown to encompass 75,000 square feet. The company’s first expansion beyond Savannah occurred in 2003 with a store opening in Charleston.
By 2015, familial relationships had improved sufficiently to allow a merger between Savannah's Candy Kitchen and River Street Sweets brands. The initial franchise was established at Tanger Outlet Mall in Pooler, Georgia. By 2016, combined revenues reached $35 million, with daily praline production hitting up to 4,000 pounds—the highest volume produced nationally—and total candy output ranging between 5,000 and 7,000 pounds. Certain items such as chocolate-covered bananas were discontinued due to lackluster sales performance.
As of 2019, the enterprise remains a family-owned business spanning three generations and is recognized as the largest candy retailer in the southern United States.
A copper kettle is prominently displayed above the River Street entrance, while inside visitors can find a salt water taffy machine dating back to 1914.
Savannah's Candy Kitchen
- Georgia
- River Street, Savannah
- 312 West Julian Street, Savannah
- Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Atlanta (two outlets)
- South Carolina
- Market Street, Charleston
- Tennessee
- Broadway, Nashville
- Maryland
- American Way, Oxon Hill