Founded in 1921 by Charles See, the See’s Candies story is steeped in tradition, quality, and old-fashioned family values. With its roots in Los Angeles, California, the company built its reputation by using only the finest ingredients to craft its chocolates and candies. This principle remains at the heart of See’s philosophy. Charles See based his chocolate-making venture on the recipes of his mother, Mary See, bringing a sense of home-cooked authenticity to the burgeoning business. The iconic black-and-white themed shops, reminiscent of Mary See’s Victorian kitchen, soon became a symbol of quality and purity in confectionery.
It all started with Mary Sees
Mary See is more than just the iconic face on a box of See’s Candies! Born Mary Wiseman in Ontario, Canada, in 1854, she married Alexander See at age 20. They had three children—Charles, May, and Bertha—and ran a hotel together on Tremont Park Island. While helping to run the hotel, Mary developed her homemade candy recipes. After Mary’s husband passed away in 1919, her son Charles suggested she move to sunny California with him and his wife. Charles planned to start his own candy company there, selling sweets from his mother’s recipes.
The beginning of a candy ledgen
It started in Pasadena, CA, in a post-Victorian bungalow. Mary See made candy in the bungalow’s black-and-white kitchen. When Charles opened the first See’s Candies shop in Los Angeles, he chose the now-iconic checkerboard theme inspired by this kitchen.
Mary took pride in her homemade candy, using only the finest and freshest ingredients—a tradition continued by See’s to this day. In fact, some of our candies are still made using Mary’s original recipes, including Peanut Brittle, Victoria Toffee, and Chocolate Walnut Fudge.
Charles See had a dream, and turned it into a reality.
Guided by the values his mother, Mary, had instilled in him and using her candy recipes as the cornerstone of his business, Charles founded See’s Candies in Los Angeles in 1921. His vision came to life with that first See’s shop, where employees were treated like family and customers were warmly greeted with a free sample. Only the finest and freshest ingredients were accepted in their candy kitchen, causing suppliers to coin the phrase “See’s quality”—higher than “top quality.”
Thanks to Charles’s passion and intelligence, See’s not only survived the Great Depression and World War II but also thrived and continued to grow as a company. His innovative bulk-rate candy-buying program kept See’s afloat through those difficult years, and the concept lives on in our Volume Savings program.
Charles grew his company from that first shop in L.A. to 78 shops across California, never compromising on the quality or deliciousness of See’s Candies. When he passed away in 1949 due to a heart ailment, his son, Laurance A. See succeeded him as President. But Charles’ legacy lives on, and his motto, “Quality Without Compromise®,” continues to guide the company.
Remember this famous TV Moment?
See’s Candies were used when Lucy was stuffing her mouth with candy. This is one of the most popular moments in the 21st century of broadcasting.
You can never have too much of See’s Candies
See's Candies comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
See’s Candies’ journey into the Dallas-Fort Worth area is a testament to its enduring appeal and strategic expansion efforts. While the company primarily operated on the West Coast for much of its history, the latter part of the 20th and early 21st centuries saw See’s Candies branching out, bringing its beloved chocolates to new markets. The opening of See’s Candies shops in DFW marked a significant milestone in this expansion, catering to a growing demand for high-quality chocolates in the region.
The presence of See’s Candies in DFW is not just about the proliferation of shops but also the brand’s ability to create a loyal customer base. The company’s strategy of offering free samples and its commitment to customer service has played a crucial role in winning over Texans’ hearts (and palates). The seasonal and holiday-themed assortments, in particular, have become a staple in celebrations and gift-giving in the area.
The Popularity of See's Candies
Several factors contribute to the popularity of See’s Candies, not just in DFW but across the United States. Firstly, the unwavering commitment to quality, with no added preservatives and using only the finest ingredients, has established See’s as a premium brand in the confectionery market. The nostalgia factor also plays a significant role; for many, visiting See’s Candies evokes memories of childhood and family traditions.
Moreover, See’s Candies has maintained its heritage while innovating with new flavors and products, keeping the brand relevant in a competitive market. The company’s transparent production process, often showcased in factory tours and through glass windows in stores, adds to the allure by emphasizing craftsmanship and authenticity.
Want to experience this chocolate treat for yourself?
In the bustling cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, See’s Candies stands out as a beacon of tradition, quality, and sweetness. The company’s successful integration into the DFW market reflects its broader appeal – a testament to the timeless charm of See’s Candies. As it continues to expand and evolve, See’s maintains the core values instilled by Charles and Mary See nearly a century ago, ensuring that each piece of candy is not just a treat but a piece of history. Whether for a special occasion or a simple moment of indulgence, See’s Candies remains a cherished part of the DFW landscape and American confectionery tradition.
So, how do I get a box of See’s Candies? Just visit Metroplex.Directory and find the nearest location.