Boehm's Candies, Inc.

A Legacy of Alpine Craftsmanship

Boehm's Candies stands as one of the Pacific Northwest's most distinctive attractions, blending European heritage with American entrepreneurship. Founded in 1942 by Julius Boehm, an Austrian immigrant and Olympic torch carrier, the company relocated to its current Issaquah location in 1956. Julius deliberately chose the Issaquah foothills for their resemblance to his Alpine homeland, envisioning a space that would honor both his Swiss-Austrian roots and his passion for mountain culture. The result is the Edelweiss Chalet, the first authentic Alpine chalet constructed in the Northwest, meticulously designed by Swiss craftsman Walter Schefer from Appenzell. This architectural gem has been recognized by the University of Washington's School of Architecture as an authentic example of Alpine design.

The Edelweiss Chalet and Architectural Splendor

The property itself functions as much as a museum as a retail destination. Swiss artisans decorated the original structure to recreate the landscapes of Julius Boehm's grandfather, a pastry and candy maker from Switzerland. Carved seals of Salzburg and Tyrol adorn the building, while Alpine mountain climber murals grace the exterior walls. Fountains and statuary enhance the grounds, creating an immersive European atmosphere. The chalet's distinctive aesthetic has made it a beloved landmark, attracting visitors who come as much for the visual experience as for the confections themselves.

The High Alpine Chapel

Shortly before his death in 1981, Julius Boehm realized his vision of creating a shrine to mountain climbers. Adjacent to the retail store and manufacturing plant stands a replica of a 12th-century chapel from Switzerland. The 40-seat chapel features a recreation of Michelangelo's Creation of Man suspended from the ceiling, with a mural depicting a fallen mountainer being raised into the mists by a Christ figure merging with an altar of stone. This sacred space is frequently reserved for weddings and can be viewed during guided tours by reservation.

Artisan Confections and Production

Boehm's produces over 100 different confections using traditional European and American recipes. The range spans American classics such as caramels, English toffee, and peanut brittle to European specialties including Mozart Kugeln, marzipan, and cordial cherries. Under the stewardship of Bernard Garbusjuk, who has owned and operated the company for over 40 years, Boehm's has become renowned for innovative ingredient combinations. Truffles are infused with unexpected flavors such as balsamic vinegar, lavender, green tea, curry spice, and cocoa nibs. By 1999, the facility produced 400,000 pounds of chocolate annually, with the majority manufactured on-site. The company uses Peter's Chocolate, a brand Julius acquired for its quality and historical significance, as a foundation for many confections.

Community Impact and Visitor Experience

Since 1956, Boehm's has been integral to Issaquah's identity. The company has employed over 1,000 local youth as their first job, many becoming long-term employees or returning as adults. More than 200,000 travelers annually visit the store at its original location next to the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90. Summer months feature daily guided tours of the Candy Kitchen, Julius Boehm's second-floor living quarters, and the grounds; off-season tours are available by appointment. The business has donated to local organizations, hosted community events such as the Issaquah Chamber's Chocolate, Wine, and All That Jazz, and maintained membership in the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce for over 40 years.

Continuity and Future Vision

Boehm's represents a rare example of multi-generational family business continuity. Bernard Garbusjuk, who trained as a pastry chef in Germany and apprenticed under Julius for nearly a decade, now passes the legacy to his children, Tyson and Narissa, who are learning the business from the ground up. Many staff members have served the company for over 15 to 20 years, creating an environment of stability and expertise. The company's commitment to Julius Boehm's original philosophy—"As High As the Alps in Quality"—remains the foundation of its operations and reputation.