Through Great Depression and Great Recession, Candy Store Endures

One Paramus candy store is offering a dose of history along with the usual Valentine's Day treats.

is nearly 53 years old, and is still serving up the same delights that allowed the business to endure through the Great Depression and the Great Recession.

“One of the biggest items sold for Valentines Day are our Chocolate dipped strawberries,”  says Linda Manzl, manager of the Paramus store, and daughter of owners Ingrid and Karl Krause.

Mrs. Hanna Krause Candy has a variety of treats for your lover—even if your special love has four legs.

“We have a variety of heart boxes filled with assortments, chocolate pops, valentine molds, and chocolate roses," Manzl said. "Those who have dogs also can buy them a treat; we have dog bones with a vanilla coating on them which are popular." 

Alfred Krause, Manzl's grandfather, started the business in 1929, during the Great Depression.

"Our mother thought the spot in Paramus was a good location due to the (Garden State) Plaza and the location of Route 17," Manzl said.

Since then, she said, Krause has put smiles on many faces.

This upcoming May 1, the Paramus location will have been in business for 53 years. And the recession has treated Mrs. Hanna Krause Candy, Inc well.

“Everybody loves chocolate,” Manzl said.

A second location in Toms River, owned by Linda’s brother Wayne Sturr and his wife Gail, is a smaller version of the Paramus store, but has also fared well.

Alfred Krause immigrated to the United States at age 13 after apprenticing as a candy maker in Germany. He brought his expertise to his new country, continuing to study chocolate and candy making.

In 1929 he and his wife Hanna Krause opened a gas station in Wyandanch, N.Y., and began giving out a free lollipop to each customer who purchased five or more gallons of gasoline.

Soon customers were asking to purchase lollipops for parties. After they closed the gas station and opened a coffee shop, the couple offered homemade cakes, candies and ice cream.

Realizing that making and selling candy was more profitable than running their coffee shop, they decided to devoted all their time to candy making.

Everything is still made the old fashioned way at Krause Candy. Visitors can even tour the location to see how it’s done. 

“Our recipes have not changed since our grandfather started the business," Manzl said. "We still make all of our fillings with fresh and natural ingredients.”

There are a number of popular items sold at this Bergen County landmark. Butter crunch, pretzels, strawberries, peanut butter explosions, nut barks, peanut butter, caramels and the shopp's homemade marshmallow and marzipan.

Longevity, great candy and, this week especially, love. Of these, Mrs. Hanna Krause Candy specializes.

Mrs. Hanna Krause Candy, Inc., Route 17 South (next to the Garden State Plaza), 1-888-6-Krause, www.hannakrausecandy.com