Schrafft's
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Confectionery, Restaurants |
| Founded | 1861 |
| Founder | William F. Schrafft |
| Fate | Candy manufacturing ceased in 1984; brand ownership transferred |
| Headquarters | Charlestown, Boston, Massachusetts , United States |
| Products | Candy, chocolate, cakes, restaurant services |
| Parent | Gulf and Western Industries (from 1974) |
The Schrafft Candy Company was a manufacturer specializing in candy, chocolate, and cakes, headquartered in Sullivan Square, Charlestown, Massachusetts. Established in 1861 by William F. Schrafft, the company is credited with introducing jelly beans to the American market, initially promoting them as gifts for soldiers during the Civil War. The renowned Schrafft's neon sign still stands as a Boston icon atop the former factory built in 1928, which has since been repurposed for commercial use. During the 1950s and 1960s, Schrafft's extended its brand by launching a series of restaurants in New York City and managing motor inns and dining establishments along the East Coast.
History
Originating in Boston in 1861, Schrafft's evolved from confectionery manufacturing into a restaurant enterprise, operating nine outlets in Manhattan by 1915, alongside additional locations in Brooklyn, Syracuse, and Boston. The Frank G. Shattuck Company acquired Schrafft's in 1929, overseeing growth that saw the number of stores rise to 22 by 1923, 42 by 1934, and ultimately 55 by 1968.
In a notable marketing achievement, Schrafft's sponsored the inaugural CBS broadcast of The Wizard of Oz in 1959.
The year 1967 marked the merger of PET milk with Frank G. Shattuck Company, resulting in the division of ice cream, restaurant, cake, and candy operations. Gulf and Western Industries purchased Schrafft's confectionery segment from Helme Products in 1974. To enhance brand visibility, Schrafft's enlisted pop artist Andy Warhol to create a television advertisement in 1968.
By 1981, persistent declines in boxed candy sales prompted Gulf and Western to announce plans to discontinue Schrafft Candy; subsequently, ownership transferred to American Safety Razor Company. The final Schrafft's candy manufacturing facility ceased operations in 1984 following an unsuccessful attempt to sell it to private investors. The property was acquired by The Flatley Company and transformed into The Schrafft Center, a commercial office complex located at 529 Main Street, Charlestown. Present-day occupants include Business Valuation Resources, Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Telemundo Boston, Crestron Electronics, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.