Frankford Candy & Chocolate Company

Frankford Candy LLC
TypePrivate
IndustryConfectionary
Founded1947
FounderSam Himmelstein
HeadquartersFrankford, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
US
Key peopleChristopher Munyan (CEO)
Number of employees
200
ParentFamily Owned
WebsiteOfficial website

Frankford Candy & Chocolate Company is an American candy manufacturer, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1947 by Sam Himmelstein.

History

In 1947, Sam Himmelstein, a Russian immigrant, founded Frankford Candy & Chocolate Company in Harrowgate, although they would move to South Philadelphia in 1955. Frankford Candy & Co. was well known for their chocolate bunnies, although would later expand to other products. In 1982, Himmelstein was elected to the Candy Hall of Fame before dying in 1993.

In the 2000s, Frankford Candy & Chocolate Company became a very successful manufacturer. It is one of the largest producers of chocolate rabbits in the United States, making over 100 varieties. Stuart Selarnick, whose wife is the granddaughter of Himmelstein, was appointed as company president in 1998 and then CEO in 2000. Selarnick assisted Frankford in licensing popular children's TV shows, such as SpongeBob SquarePants. This partnership helped them create many successful products, such as gummy Krabby Patties. Frankford produces their candy in China, Pennsylvania and Italy.

In 2005, Frankford consolidated into a single factory in northeast Philadelphia, a project that cost over $20 million. The old factory on Washington Avenue was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017 before being purchased and subsequently demolished.

Frankford purchased Cap Candy, a division of Hasbro, and the Wonder Ball from Nestlé in the 2000s. Wonder Ball has been reintroduced to the confectionery market in recent years following a temporary absence. Wonder Balls have utilized themed candy for Despicable Me, Super Mario, PAW Patrol, and Space Jam: A New Legacy.

In 2025, Frankford announced a transition to a new CEO, Christopher Munyan, who had been with the company for 38 years.

References

  1. ↑ "Candy and Candymakers". Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  2. ↑ "sam himmelstein obituary". The Philadelphia Inquirer. 1993-04-08. p. 9. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  3. ↑ Kleiman 1989.
  4. ↑ "Stuart Selarnick". Candy Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  5. ↑ Brubaker 2006.
  6. ↑ "Frankford Mallo-Licious Strawberry - Candy Blog". www.candyblog.net.
  7. 1 2 Allen, Peter Van (November 28, 2005). "A sweetheart chocolate deal". www.bizjournals.com.
  8. ↑ Romero, Melissa (2018-01-03). "Frankford Chocolate Factory earns spot on National Register of Historic Places". Curbed Philly. Archived from the original on April 25, 2018. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  9. ↑ "Good and Plenty of Progress at Former Chocolate Factory Site". OCF Realty. Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  10. ↑ "Frankford Candy announces CEO transition | Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery". www.snackandbakery.com. Retrieved 2025-10-27.

Sources