A Timeless Gem in Philadelphia www.shanecandies.com

Shane Confectionery is a hidden treasure located at 110 Market Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1863, it is considered the longest running confectionery shop in America. When the Shane family owned the store, it was first called "Shane Candies”, then later candies were renamed with confectionery, bringing the name as know today as “Shane Confectionery”.

History

Since 1863, the location was part of an active candy-making industry that flourished around the sugar trade. Members of the Herring family operated several properties in the area starting in the 1840s. After the American Civil War, Benjamin Herring took over the business. He eventually went into partnership with one of his father's employees, confectioner Daniel Dengler. They sold confectionery goods wholesale until Benjamin Herring died.

In 1899, the building was sold to William Wescott, who later in 1910 sold it to an enterprising young man named Edward Shane. The Shane family took over the business, installing elaborate carved woodwork, stained glass, and curved windows to showcase the chocolates and confections made onsite.

Present

A century later, in 2010, the business transitioned to the Berley brothers, Ryan and Eric, who owned the nearby Franklin Fountain. They retained the “Shane Confectionery” name and undertook a meticulous restoration of the building to its original glory, preserving antique artifacts such as the scales and the cash register. They currently use restored original machinery and traditional recipes, so history is palpable in each of their creations. For example, their cast-iron buttercream churn is the same one that Edward Shane used in the 1920s. Chocolate and candy continue to be made onsite, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, seasonal specialties, and superb quality. Shane Confectionery’s commitment to honor its illustrious legacy is summarized in their mission statement: “Shane Confectionery strives to reimagine the candy shops of yesterday with the progressive values we hold today; both delighting and educating with products made from the highest quality goods, sprinkled with the forgotten flavors of the American past.”

Their classic buttercream eggs and almond toffee crunch remain sacred staples at holiday tables. In recent years, they have expanded upon perennial favorites to include old-fashioned clear toys, historical drinking chocolates and, most recently, bean-to-bars ground at the Shane Confectionery.

In line with its mission to introduce visitors to history through taste, Shane Confectionery began a regular tour program in 2016. The weekly tour explores the shop and kitchens, while examining their context within historic Philadelphia and confectionery history. Since its inception, this program has blossomed into talks, tastings, and hands-on workshops for visitors of all ages and interests.

An exquisite ambiance, a rich history and unparalleled flavors make Shane Confectionery a must see for any sweet lover.

Shane Confectionery offers a plethora of house-made chocolates for every taste. Pre-made boxes are ready to be last minute gift, or a thoughtful custom box can be assembled by any of their clerks

Top Sellers

Buttercreams

Made from the original 100-year-old Shane Family recipe, the simple and sweet buttercream is churned on the original 1910s cream beater and hand-dipped one at a time in milk or dark chocolate. Vanilla and coconut are the traditional flavors, but raspberry, lemon, maple walnut, coffee, and chocolate are also loved.

Clear Toy Candy

A Pennsylvania-German tradition that dates to the 18th century, Clear Toys were gifted to children during Holiday seasons. Shane's candies are handmade onsite with Victorian candy molds. In keeping with tradition, Shane makes these candies only at Holiday time, offering a multitude of shapes and sizes.

Penny Candy

Penny Candy, named for its historic price of 1¢ a portion, is now a term of endearment for small candies made of sugar, not chocolate, that are sold in bulk quantities. Shane offers over 30 types of penny candy, everything from lemon drops to all-natural gummi bears, plus 23 types of licorice.

One of our most popular single origin bars is our 90% dark, made with beans from Tumaco, Colombia

Our Recommendations

The Shane Signature Drinking Chocolate

Rich, European-style drinking chocolate, modeled after known 18th century recipes. Their House Milk & Dark Chocolates, Cocoa Powder, and Organic Cane Sugar are the perfect combination.

House Blend

68.5% dark chocolate blend of three different cacao origins, expertly combined to make a well balanced and bright drinking chocolate. A must try!

The Chocolate Cafe in the back of Shane Confectionery offers a variety of drinking chocolates inspired by both historic and regional beverages. Pictured is The Shane Signature Drinking Chocolate.

The Benjamin Jackson Bar is a nod to the history of chocolate, and to the history of our neighborhood. William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, established the Governor's Mill for grinding cacao and mustard seed in 1701. Later, in 1756, Benjamin Jackson operated this same mill and sold chocolate from his shop in Letitia Court, named for Penn's daughter. Today, Shane Confectionery continues this tradition on the very same block, roasting and grinding cacao to reproduce the flavor and texture consistent with 18th century ingredients and milling. Each 70% chocolate bar is molded to resemble the etched design that adorned Jackson’s early advertisement.

https://shanecandies.com

110 Market St. Philadelphia, PA, 19106