Chocolate-Covered Everything

4th generation candy maker reveals history behind “Chippers”

The warmth and aroma of freshly made caramel wafts through Carol Widman’s Candy Company storefront and lures customers of all ages to taste the many varieties of delectable handmade candies. “It’s fun to see the reaction of people when they come into the store,” owner Carol Widman explained. “Customers teach each other about their favorite candies to try. I love to just stand back and watch them.”

The Widman family has been making quality chocolates and other candies since 1885. It all began with Widman’s great-grandfather, William Widman, a baker and candy maker in Dubuque, Iowa. He relocated to the St. Paul, Minn. area to work at Pearson Candy Company where he invented the “7-UP candy bar,” which had seven chocolate sections, each with a different center.

In 1911, George I and Clara Widman, Widman’s grandparents, founded Widman’s Candy Shop in Crookston, Minn. during the railroad boom. There they made candy and ice cream, and had a soda fountain. Widman’s aunt, Margaret Widman, took over ownership and worked until age 80. George III and Lois Widman, Widman’s brother and sisterin-law, have owned Widman’s in Crookston for the past 35 years.

In 1949, Widman’s parents, George II and Betty Widman, founded Widman’s Candy in Grand Forks, N.D. Betty is now retired, but George, age 91, still works in the store five days per week. Widman’s brother, Dan Widman, also makes candy in the Grand Forks store and works 6 days per week.

“George II and Betty Widman are candy makers extraordinaire,” Widman emphasized. “They started the famous chocolate-covered potato chips called ‘chippers’ more than 40 years ago.”

In 1990, Carol Widman Kennedy, along with her husband, David Kennedy, started in the family business. They began in Burnsville, Minn., and then moved in 1994 to Fargo at their current location. The couple makes over 200 different candies, some of which are seasonal. “We hand make the inside of the candy in large copper kettles,” Widman described.

All candies are cut or cut and rolled. Then people called “dippers” actually hand dip each piece one at a time. To distinguish the different candies, a specific nut is added or a letter is swirled on top. For example, the “M” in the chocolate round is Maple Cream. Extreme attention to detail is how the Widman family upholds the highest standard of quality in candy making.

The process of candy making is a trade which is passed down in families from one generation to the next. In Widman’s family, she happens to be the fourth generation to carry on this tradition. “I started working at my parents’ shop when I was in 6th grade,” Widman reminisced. “It wasn’t my original plan to become a candy maker, but it’s a fun business.”

Carol Widman Kennedy obtained a bachelor of science degree in home economics at UND and a bachelor of science degree in interior design at NDSU. Her husband, David Kennedy, is an electrician by trade. Growing up in the business, Carol, along with her husband David, are the only specially trained candy makers at their shop. The remaining workers help with dipping, packaging, shipping or retail store sales. “My daily goal is to keep the candy cases full. It’s the challenge of each day,” Widman laughed.

Carol Widman’s Candy Company has been featured in several national publications. Food Network Magazine published a listing and small photo of a candy display case in March 2012. There were also listings in Martha Stewart Weddings (a Bride’s issue) and Bon Appetit!. The Farmers Almanac and Grit both featured articles about the Widman family. On the “Rachael Ray Show,” chippers were given to the audience as the “snack of the day.”

The most popular candies sold at Carol Widman’s Candy Company are chippers, caramels and turtles. A few sugar-free candies are also available. “We can provide small or large orders for special occasions. We ship anywhere in the USA. Around the holidays, plenty of advance notice is best,” Widman recommended. [AWM]

Carol Widman’s Candy Company is located at 4325 13th Ave. S. in Fargo, N.D. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 7:00pm and Saturdays from 9:30am to 5:00pm. For more information, visit them on the web at www.carolwidmanscandyco. com or, call 701.281.8664.