Sarris Candies, known for not only it superior rich taste, but adherence to high quality standards and exceptional customer service for over 50 years, has evolved into the epitome of the American dream.
You might say it all started when Frank Sarris found a sweetheart. As a young man trying to win the affections of the lovely Athena, Frank presented her with a gift as sweet as she was, a box of chocolates. Athena’s face lit up as she lifted the lid and Frank knew he was in love. He also knew he could make better chocolate.
Frank began by producing small amounts of chocolate in the basement for friends and family, and then as word spread, he began making more and more for the local market. Frank and Athena married soon after and Sarris Candies was born in the basement of their Canonsburg home.
Working as a forklift operator by day and candy maker by night, the son of Greek immigrants realized that one or the other, his candy enterprise or his career, had to end. Thankfully for the thousands of “sweet-tooths” that enjoy Sarris chocolate, Frank Sarris quit his job and started stirring batches full time.
By 1963, Frank had outgrown his basement and built a small candy shop next door to his house. Five years later, the house was demolished to make room for an even bigger candy shop and he and his wife, Athena, settled into an apartment above the store.
Over the years, Frank never forgot the quaint soda fountains of his youth, which sold ice cream and penny candy. In 1982, with the help of his son Bill, he created his very own old-fashioned ice cream parlour complete with period-style, red and brass booths and shimmering crystal chandeliers. Each year, thousands of people come from miles around to sample sundaes and other cool treats made with Sarris’ homemade ice cream and toppings.
Many family members have helped to build the business into the chocolate empire that has become a Canonsburg landmark. Today, the Sarris Chocolate Factory and ice Cream Parlour in Canonsburg cover an area the size of a full city block, with over 100 yards of chocolate, penny candy, ice cream and life-like plush toys.
Though Frank Sarris passed away on March 1, 2010, he and Athena’s love story lives on and with one taste of Sarris Chocolates, you’ll fall in love, too!