Ferrara, in a Nutshell (and a Cellophane Wrapper)
Ferrara Pan Candy Company began with an Italian immigrant and a pastry shop in Chicago’s Little Italy. In 1908, Salvatore Ferrara started dipping into the art of sugar panning by rolling almond centers in revolving pans to build glossy shells. The company’s first hits were candy-coated almonds for weddings (Jordan Almonds). Then came the fire and the fizz with creations such as Boston Baked Beans (peanut centers), Jaw Busters (jawbreakers), Red Hots, Atomic FireBalls, and eventually, America’s favorite sour smiley face—Lemonheads. If you grew up anywhere from Chicago to New York, you’ve met these confections in lunchboxes, movie concession stands, and corner shops.
Through mergers and over time, Ferrara Pan evolved into the modern Ferrara Candy Company, part of the global Ferrero Group, stewarding a big tent of candy brands loved by candy lovers nationwide. Think Trolli (hello, gummy worms), Black Forest (gummy bears and fruit snacks), and Brach’s (candy corn, caramels, and holiday staples). On the tangy side of the aisle, Ferrara also owns favorites like Nerds, SweeTARTS, Laffy Taffy, and Now and Later. Chocolate lives in the broader Ferrero orbit (yes, Butterfinger among others), but this little shop next to the candy factory is mostly about the hard candy, chewy classics, and gummy candy the company is famous for.
The Factory’s (Sort Of) Hidden Candy Store
What most people don’t know is that connected to the Ferrara factory is a tiny retail outlet that people refer to fondly as the Ferrara Candy Shop. There’s a plain door on the same site that locals treat like a shared secret.
To set expectations, the shop is small and quick, but that doesn’t make it any less magical. Think of it as your go-to wall of prepackaged candy more than an “experience.” There are no windows into the factory or guided tours, but there are nostalgic vibes, shelves and racks of candy, outlet pricing, and a line that moves.
That’s the charm. You pop in, grab what you came for (and probably more!), pay, and you’re back out in a few minutes, all while feeling like you’re in on a secret. A sweet pit stop, not a theme park.
What You’ll Find
On any given morning, you might see:
Lemonheads and their cousins, Cherryheads and Appleheads, all tart little planets that make your tongue do a double take.
Red Hots and Atomic FireBalls, that cinnamon burn-with-a-smile duo for the brave and the stubborn.
Jujyfruits and Jujubes, chewy time capsules that make you wonder when movies got shorter.
Spree, Bottle Caps, Fun Dip, Nerds, SweeTARTS, Laffy Taffy, and Now and Later, all part of the tangy-sweet hall of fame.
Trolli and Black Forest lines, including gummy mixes, gummy bears, and gummy candy for days.
Formats can vary by day, but you’ll mostly find multipacks, variety packs, seasonal runs, and occasional overrun packaging. Everything is prepackaged and sealed. This is pure grab and go. If you spot a favorite, grab it!
Why Locals Love It
Because it’s the perfect “on the way” errand: Before school pickup or after a library run. On the route to a Little League game when you want to be the hero of the dugout. On the walk back from coffee when you realize the office candy jar is down to a lonely butterscotch.
Because prices feel kind. Not fantasy-cheap, because this is still the real world, but friendly enough that you can build a party bag with confidence. Teachers stretch a classroom budget an extra month here. Coaches stock end-of-season goodie bags without a second mortgage.
Just a familiar bag, a familiar crinkle, a familiar sour kick that lines up the past and present for a second and reminds you why little places matter.
Where to Find It
Address: 7301 West Harrison Street, Forest Park, Illinois
Hours: Early weekdays, shorter Saturdays, closed Sundays. Hours can shift around holidays—peek before you go (check ferrara.com for the latest).
Parking: Street parking nearby. You’re in and out fast.
Pro tip: Go earlier in the day. Selection tends to be widest in the morning, and popular items move.
A Short, Honest Guide to a Tiny Shop
You don’t need a map for a room this size, but a few truths will set you up:
Be flexible. Inventory rotates. That’s the outlet game.
Go earlier if you can. Mornings usually offer a better spread. Saturdays can feel snug.
Set kid expectations before you enter. The “we want everything” energy is real.
Bring a backup payment method. Cards are typically fine; it’s never wrong to be prepared.
Plan for a short visit. Ten, fifteen minutes. You’re here to grab, not linger.
No scoops, no weighing. Everything’s prepackaged in sealed bags and boxes. Quick in, quick out.
Make It a Forest Park Mini-Loop
The outlet itself is quick, so tie it to a small adventure. Madison Street is a stroll away with indie shops, vintage finds, and cafés. Grab a sandwich or take a short walk through a nearby park or forest preserve before you open the bag. It’s the easiest kind of Saturday, with no itinerary and just a handful of good stops stitched together by a paper sack of candy.
A Tiny Store with Big Nostalgia
Ferrara Candy Company’s hidden candy store isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s a modest room with a wall of confectionery and a steady line of people who know exactly what they came for. That’s the charm. In a world that loves spectacle, this little place keeps its promise. You show up, score something that tastes like memory, and get on with your day. Sometimes that’s all you need.
FAQ
Is this a factory tour?
No. It is the small outlet storefront next to the Ferrara Candy Company factory. There are no viewing windows, no guided tours, and no behind-the-scenes access. It’s simply a retail stop on the factory grounds.
How big is it?
Not very—just a couple of short aisles and wall racks. The allure is in its insider knowledge status, not its size. Most visits take 10–15 minutes. It is set up for grab and go, not lingering.
Are prices lower than retail?
Yes. Think outlet-style deals. Selection and price points change day to day. You will often see seasonal runs, variety packs, or overrun packaging that costs less than typical retail.
Can I make my own mix?
No. Everything is prepackaged in sealed bags and boxes. If you want variety, look for multipacks or assortment boxes.
Can I buy in bulk for a party or classroom?
Often, yes. Multipacks and case-style packs appear depending on the day’s stock. Go earlier for the best selection and be flexible about brands and flavors.
What is the best time to go?
Earlier in the day usually offers the widest selection. Midweek is calmer than Saturday. Expect a snug feel on weekend mornings and before holidays.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes. The space is tight, so set a budget and a “pick two” rule before you walk in. Strollers fit, but a little patience helps.
Is it open on Sundays?
Plan for weekday hours and a shorter Saturday. Sundays are typically closed. Always check current hours near holidays. The Ferrara site is helpful.
Where do I park?
Street parking is available near the shop. Visits are quick, but watch for factory traffic when pulling in and out.
Is it worth a special trip?
If you love Ferrara classics or are stocking up, yes. It is ideal if you are already in the Chicagoland area.
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