Fannie May

History and Heritage

Fannie May opened in 1920 when H. Teller Archibald established the first store at 11 N. LaSalle St. in Chicago's Loop. Starting with a handful of recipes using fresh cream, real butter, and fine chocolate, the brand grew rapidly. By 1935, nearly four dozen shops operated across Illinois and neighboring states. Signature items like Pixies debuted in 1946, blending caramel, pecans, and milk chocolate—a recipe largely unchanged today. The company weathered challenges including bankruptcy in the early 2000s but rebounded through loyal customers and unwavering quality commitment.

Signature Chocolates

Fannie May crafts over 100 confections, with Pixies as the top seller: gooey caramel encased in smooth milk or dark chocolate with crunchy pecans. Other favorites include Mint Meltaways, Trinidads, vanilla creams, raspberry buttercreams, and assorted buttercreams in flavors like strawberry, lemon, and orange. Dark chocolate Mays filled with buttercream offer a less sweet option. Production emphasizes premium ingredients, maintaining 1920s formulas at Midwest facilities.

The Store Experience

At 343 N Michigan Ave, near the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wacker Drive, the shop welcomes visitors with free samples from veteran staff. The atmosphere buzzes with the aroma of melting chocolate, display cases brimming with colorful boxes, and options for custom assortments. It's a nostalgic stop for locals and tourists, ideal for gifts or personal treats. Open daily with extended weekend hours, it serves as a piece of Chicago's candy capital legacy.

Chicago Candy Legacy

Chicago's Loop fostered candy giants like Fannie May, alongside Tootsie Rolls, Brach's, and Mars. The brand embodies the city's sweet tooth, from neighborhood staples to national expansion. Today, it thrives with online sales, franchises, and in-store warmth, preserving over a century of craftsmanship.