Andrea Grubaugh
WILTON – One of Wilton's oldest and most beloved businesses, with plenty of fame and recognition from neighbors and visitors alike, is gaining national recognition.
This week it was announced that Wilton Candy Kitchen, located at 310 Cedar Street in Wilton, has been nominated for “America's Best Candy Store” by USA Today.
This is the second time Wilton Candy Kitchen has been nominated for the award, the first time in 2023 when it ranked third out of the top 10 in the country. Since then, the store has seen an increase in visitors who want to learn about the store's history and sample the treats.
Owner Brenda Ochiltree said it was “unbelievable” to be nominated again.
“I think we were all shocked when it first happened. Everyone would feel honored and we certainly are,” she said.
Anyone else reading this…
Brenda, along with her husband, Lynn, have been the owners of Candy Kitchen since 2015. Candy Kitchen itself has been described as an “Iowa icon” and is possibly the oldest continuously operating ice cream and soda fountain shop in the Midwest. The shop opened in 1867.
Following her second nomination, Brenda expressed her gratitude to those who have supported Candy Kitchen thus far.
“We're so grateful for all the support we've received,” she said. “People have come from all over the world to be here, it's so exciting and it feels a little overwhelming, but we're embracing it with open arms.”
Reflecting on the store's newfound fame and national recognition, Brenda said that while many consider the Candy Kitchen's antiquity and soda fountain to be its most notable features, she also feels the store's extensive product lineup also contributes to its continued appeal to locals and tourists alike.
“We've always been known for our candy, that's what our store is named after. We have over 85 different kinds of candy,” Brenda says. “We try to have a good selection of chocolates, gummies, hard candy, nostalgic candies, etc.”
Candy sticks, whistle pops and razzles are also available in the store.
Beyond the store and their sweets, the Ochiltrees are also passionate about local history and are working to expand the Wilton History Museum behind their store. Brenda also tells residents that she and Lynn hope to move some of the museum's exhibits to a storefront at the end of the block and build a larger museum in the future.
“We're excited to continue the museum project,” Brenda said. “This is our dream, and this (our store) dream has come true, so maybe this museum will be a dream come true as well.”
Anyone who wants to show their support for Candy Kitchen can vote once per day at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-candy-store-2024/ . Voting ends on Monday, June 10 at noon ET.
Anyone wishing to donate to Candy Kitchen’s museum project can do so in person at Candy Kitchen, through their website or by mail to PO Box 514.
