Tucked Away In Weiser, Idaho, Weiser Classic Candy Is The Very Definition Of A Small-Town Hidden Gem
By Courtnie Erickson|Published June 26, 2024
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
If you have ever traveled north of Boise on U.S. Route 95, you’ve driven through the charming small town of Weiser. This community of approximately 5,500 people is home to numerous gems but there is one you’ll never want to pass by without stopping — Weiser Classic Candy. This is a small batch chocolate shop that you’ll love the minute you arrive. But that’s not all this darling shop has to offer. Weiser Classic Candy is also home to a deli where you can dive into a delicious meal. There’s no doubt that Weiser Classic Candy is the definition of a small-town hidden gem.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our 2024 Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
From the minute you arrive, you’ll fall in love with Weiser Classic Candy. This charming small business is located at 449 State Street in Weiser, Idaho.
This store has become a favorite shop in the community. Patrick Nauman, Chief Chocolatier Officer, purchased the store in 2007 from the original owner. Nauman was looking for an opportunity to move home and when the business went up for sale, he knew right away that he wanted to purchase it.
“My success is a direct result of my upbringing. My parents taught me to stay focused, work hard, and to constantly strive to improve,” he says.
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Inside the shop, you’ll find many treats to excite your sweet tooth. The chocolate is made in small batches, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible.
There are several signature sandwich options that you can choose from, or if you want to customize and create your own, you can as well. These sandwiches are also made using fresh ingredients.
“…no two days are alike,” Nauman explains. “Every day is exciting and different. I enjoy the challenge of staying on top of everything and I especially enjoy the challenge of training and developing the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs.”
And helping the community is just one of the many things that sets this Idaho small business apart from others.
“We provide over 20 jobs to minority and high school students,” Nauman says. “We support all high school athletics and groups. We award a $1,000 scholarship each year to a local high school student, and we host several events each year including a kid's carnival day.”
Nauman says his business is defined by his employees and his customers.
“When both of those groups are happy and taken care of then I know I am doing my job,” he explains.
While you can always purchase the chocolates within the store in Weiser, there are vendors throughout Idaho, as well as select shops in Oregon and Washington. Just be careful ... one bite won't be enough.
Many thanks to Weiser Classic Candy Chief Chocolatier Officer Patrick Nauman for sharing the story of this small-town chocolate shop and deli in Idaho. Learn more and support this sweet Idaho business on the Weiser Classic Candy website and the Weiser Classic Candy Facebook page.
Of course, Weiser Classic Candy is only one of many amazing businesses in Idaho that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Idaho, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Idaho on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.
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