Old Monmouth Candies: 3 Generations of Tradition

There are many reasons Freehold is a special place. Most people feel that the legacy of generations of families who have lived here and started and nurtured businesses that remain a staple of the community suggests a concern for customer satisfaction lacking in a big city chain store atmosphere. One such example is Old Monmouth Candies located on Route 33B. This family-owned and operated business has manufactured a variety of sweet treats for wholesale and retail consumption since 1939. Owned and operated by the Gunther family, it represents 70 years and three generations of candy-making tradition. 

The beginnings were humble. Louis Dey and Warren Priest began creating their delicacies in the kitchen of a luncheonette on Main St., the mecca of all things great in Freehold. In 1948, as business prospered, the Route 33 factory and store at 627 Park Avenue was purchased. The store continues to operate today in the same location. The recipes created by Dey were passed down to his partner’s descendants who have run the enterprise for generations. They were honored to receive the New Jersey Family Business Award in 2008. 

Delicious chocolate and peanut brittle are staples all year but around Easter time, as well as other holidays and special events, the Gunthers hire additional staff to support all the orders. At times there could be as many as 20 people on the company payroll. Old Monmouth Candies has maintained the same customer base for generations. They are a family tradition. 

As all successful businesses, the candy makers have reached out to potential customers using the Internet. On their Web site one can see just how diversified the the company has become. Beautiful chocolate favors are designed for every celebration. Various products are offered to organizations for fundraising drives. Their famous peanut brittle is packed in a beautiful orange and yellow can with a representation of Molly Pitcher (One can’t get anymore Freehold than that!)  Candies symbolic of Easter or Valentine’s Day are also on display. Check out oldmonmouthcandies.com for more information.