Original Family Recipes Since the 1800s
A Family Tradition That Began in 1917
Every piece of Coons Candy has a story. Not just the candy itself, but the family behind it.
"Find another line of work... or else."
Sweet Summers... Difficult Winters
The little ice cream shop was an immediate success. During the hot Ohio summers, customers lined up for Nellie’s homemade ice cream, and business was better than they could have imagined.
But when winter arrived, everything changed. In 1917, most people traveled by horse and buggy, and cold weather meant fewer customers. The long Ohio winters made it difficult for a seasonal ice cream business to survive.
Once again, the Coons family found themselves gathered around the dinner table asking an important question:
An Unexpected Opportunity
Sometimes life changes in the most unexpected ways. The gentleman who had sold Joseph his ice cream equipment stopped by and mentioned that a German immigrant had recently arrived in America. He happened to be a master candymaker.
The arrangement was simple. In exchange for room and board, the candymaker would teach Joseph and his son, Charles, the art of making old-world candy using recipes brought from Europe.
For months, he lived with the Coons family. As he learned English, Joseph and Charles learned something even more valuable — the timeless craft of handmade candy.
When the gentleman eventually continued on his journey, he left behind much more than recipes. He left behind a family tradition that has continued for more than a century.
Five Generations of Candy Makers
The years passed. The business grew. Children became parents, and parents became grandparents. Each generation learned beside the one before it.
The recipes never changed. Neither did the commitment to making candy by hand. Today, Coons Candy proudly represents five generations of family craftsmanship.
Charlie's Story
In his own words
Hi, I’m Charlie Coons. I took over the family business in 1984 after spending my childhood learning beside my father and grandfather in the candy kitchen. Some of my earliest memories are watching them carefully stir kettles, dip chocolates, and package every box by hand.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching our little hometown candy shop grow into a business that now ships candy throughout the United States and around the world.
Even more rewarding has been introducing the fifth generation of our family to the candy-making tradition. Seeing my children and grandchildren become part of this journey reminds me that this story is still being written.
— Charlie Coons
Still Made the Same Way
- We still use the original family recipes that were brought to America generations ago.
- We still make our candy in small batches.
- We still carefully hand-pack every box.
- We still believe that taking the time to do things the right way makes all the difference.
That’s why so many families have made Coons Candy part of their own traditions for generations. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thank you for allowing our family to be a small part of yours.
— Charlie Coons
Through the Years
A gallery of historical family photographs
Joseph A. Coons
1st Generation
Charles M. Coons
2nd Generation
Joseph E. Coons
3rd Generation
Charles W. "Charlie" Coons
4th Generation
The Fifth Generation
Coons Family
For more than 100 years, every generation has added another chapter to the Coons Candy story while honoring the traditions that started it all.
A Century of Tradition
Joseph & Nellie Open Their Ice Cream Shop
A leap of faith in the small Ohio town of Nevada — the first step in a 100-year family tradition.
A German Candymaker Shares Treasured Old-World Recipes
In exchange for room and board, a master candymaker teaches Joseph and Charles the art of handmade candy — recipes that remain unchanged today.
The Next Generations Learn the Craft
Decade by decade, the tradition passes from parent to child. The recipes stay the same. The commitment to quality never wavers.
Charlie Coons Takes Over the Family Business
After a lifetime in the candy kitchen, Charlie carries the family legacy into a new era — growing Coons Candy into a business known across the country.
The Fifth Generation Continues the Tradition
Rae (Daughter) and Brian (husband), the 5th generation continue this historical tradition and look forward to making the world a lot sweeter into the future!
Taste the Tradition
Order Coons Candy today and become part of a family tradition that has delighted sweet lovers for more than 100 years.