Shane Confectionery
Chocolate shop · Old City ·
Historic confectionery offers chocolates, drinking chocolate & old-fashioned sweets
Historic confectionery offers chocolates, drinking chocolate & old-fashioned sweets
"With its pastel color scheme and historic decor, Shane Confectionery is the sweetest survivor of Philadelphia’s 19th-century retail revolution. In 1863, Samuel Herring—of the then-renowned confectioner Herrings—opened a wholesale business at 110 Market Street. His son, also named Samuel, was busy fighting for the Union in the Civil War, but when he returned in 1865, he took over the shop. With fellow confectioner Daniel S. Dengler, Samuel did a brisk trade in wholesale ingredients, including glucose, dates, nuts, and cocoa. Wholesale was fine and dandy, but the pedestrians of Philadelphia had sweet teeth to sate. In 1910, a young man by the name of Edward R. Shane bought and renovated the confectionery, turning it into a glittering jewel box of retail-friendly treats. Stained-glass windows, storefront showcases, and shelves lined with candy jars beckoned visitors to try Shane’s wares. When the Berley Brothers purchased the confectionery in 2010, they kept the Shane name, in recognition of the family’s 99-year operation of the store. Thanks to a major restoration effort, Shane Confectionery’s early 20th-century decor shines as brightly as it did in the 1910s. Naturally, old-fashioned treats are abundant: Turkish Taffy, jawbreakers, and candy cobblestones are among the throwback offerings. Shane’s Clear Toy Candy, made by pouring colored molten sugar into 19th-century molds, is a particular fan favorite. But it’s not all old-timey: The vegan sour gummies, CBD chocolates, and single-origin 70 percent cocoa bars make it clear that the 21st century has arrived. Know Before You Go Shane Confectionery is one block east of the Market-Frankford Line (MFL) Subway 2nd Street stop." - Fred Cherrygarden, blimpcaptain, ljburmeister
"A candy store has occupied this building continuously since 1863. The current proprietors, the Berley brothers—who also own the Franklin Fountain ice cream parlor a few doors away on Market Street—are master confectioners. Even for those among us who don't like candy (is that even possible?), a visitto the store is worthwhile simply to see its charming Victorian interior. Coming here is like stepping back in time, and you'll feel as thrilled asa kidto peer into the vintage glass-topped cabinets full of chocolates and other sweets. Keep an eye outfor the Whirly Berley Bars (chocolate nougat with salted chocolate caramel), and be sure to check out the seasonal creations, like the pumpkin-spice buttercreams."
"A candy store has occupied this building continuously since 1863. The current proprietors, the Berley brothers—who also own the Franklin Fountain ice cream parlor a few doors away on Market Street—are master confectioners. Even for those among us who don't like candy (is that even possible?), a visitto the store is worthwhile simply to see its charming Victorian interior. Coming here is like stepping back in time, and you'll feel as thrilled asa kidto peer into the vintage glass-topped cabinets full of chocolates and other sweets. Keep an eye outfor the Whirly Berley Bars (chocolate nougat with salted chocolate caramel), and be sure to check out the seasonal creations, like the pumpkin-spice buttercreams."
"At the Old City candy shop from the Franklin Fountain crew I point readers to Mother’s Day sweets available for pickup, including house-made caramels, jelly beans, truffles, ice cream, and more." - Sarah Maiellano
"Stepping into Shane Confectionery is like going back in time. The old-fashioned Old City shop has been the site of a candy manufacturer since 1863. When brothers Ryan and Eric Berley of Franklin Fountain took it over from the Shane family in 2011, they played up the historic feel, preserving the vintage equipment and decor and resurrecting century-old recipes. Stop here for house-made chocolate caramels and buttercreams or head to the small cafe in the back for a flight of drinking chocolate." - Sarah Maiellano
