About Us

We are three generations of candy makers with over 100 years of experience.

From start to finish, our 30 flavors of taffy are overseen by head candy man Joe.

We have two locations to serve you in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Our original store opened in 1982, and our new store in 2005. Both stores are open and waiting for you to stop by and sample our Wonderful Salt Water Country Taffy.

The History of “Salt Water Taffy”

The first recorded documents of Salt Water Taffy began in the late 1800s.  A man by the name of Bradley had a Candy Store on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Taffy got its name in 1890.  One night an ocean wave  decided to come ashore.  Mr. Bradley's Candy Store was filled with ocean water.  The next day, finding his store in ruins, he was very furious.  A small girl came into his store and asked if he had any taffy.  His sarcastic remark was “Yes, I have salt water taffy.”  Mr. Bradley's mother heard his sarcastic remark and thought the name fit perfectly.

Candyman Joe and
The Magic Taffy Machine

In the early 1900s “Taffy” was seen at County Fairs.  Soon many stores were opening around the Northeast.  Taffy came to The Smoky Mountains in the early 1950s.  Since then “Salt Water Taffy” has become one of the many tourist attractions of The Smoky Mountains.

This Taffy Machine you see today in this store was built around 1918.  We have been in business here in Pigeon Forge since 1982.  Before these machines were manufactured, taffy was pulled on a wall hook. It was all done by hand and wrapped by hand. It was cooked in copper pots like we use today and hand stirred with wooden candy paddles.

People always ask “Is this Salt Water Taffy?” You decide.