Meet Mid
“I will always remember that first year. I thought it would be fun to make some chocolate candies with a friend for some extra money. I could still be at home with my children, and my husband, Mike, was very supportive. It seemed like it would be easy to purchase some chocolate and make candy.”
However she quickly discovered the patience and preparation involved in the science of chocolate. Tempering, the delicate process of melting and cooling the chocolate, was lesson number one. For years, it was “home sweet home” for the candy company. As the demand for chocolate continued to grow, Mid realized it was time to expand.
Since 1988 Mid’s Candy has been producing delicious results in the Ebensburg Mini Mall. Occupying 6,500 square feet, the company has a retail store featuring candy, gift tins and baskets, and seasonal gifts including a large selection of Melissa & Doug toys. An additional basement level is utilized for the chocolate factory.
Specialty chocolate is purchased and melted with many popular ingredients including cherries, nuts, coconut, raisins, peanut butter, and more.
“Our location is very convenient with easy access and parking. It is great to still have the company in my hometown.”
Many of the company’s customers discover the chocolates through family and friends.
“We enjoy helping our customers plan for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or newborns. Our staff is very dedicated and creative. And, we are always ready to help satisfy even the smallest craving for chocolate.”
Mid insists she has no secret recipe. Instead, she says, it’s all in the chocolate. “Chocolate is like cars. You have your Volkswagons, your Fords, and your Cadillacs. What I make is the Mercedes of chocolate.” It must be, because Mid started making her candy 32 years ago, using 500 pounds of chocolate and selling her treats at Christmas and Easter from her home.
Now her store is approaching its 28th anniversary and she uses over 42,000 pounds of chocolate a year. She has shipped all over the country, and over-seas to Britain and even Iraq, such as the time she and her staff made and packed 450 chocolate eggs to U.S. soldiers in Iraq.
“That was my proudest moment, when I heard a soldier quoted as saying how special it was to get a taste of home.”
Mid’s Candy truly is a sweet success!
