Draft:Anthony-Thomas
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Anthony-Thomas Candy Company is an American confectionery company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, United States. The Anthony-Thomas Candy Company is one of the largest family-owned and operated companies in the Midwest. Anthony-Thomas chocolate Buckeyes, different flavored chocolate bars, dark and milk chocolates, along with other candy items. The company was founded in 1952 Anthony and Thomas Zanetos.
Anthony-Thomas candy is available in the contiguous United States. There is one manufacturing factory located in Columbus, Ohio and 13 retail shops in Franklin and Delaware counties. Anthony-Thomas Candy Company is officially licensed by The Ohio State University to sell chocolate Buckeyes.
History
20th century
Anthony Zanetos came to the United States from Greece in 1907. His first job in Columbus, Ohio was as an apprentice candy maker. In 1932 Anthony opened the Co-Op Dairy in Columbus, Ohio. Anthony's son Thomas returned home following his service in WWWII in 1945. The two then opened Anthony's confectionery where the Dairy used to be.
In 1947 Anthony and Thomas started the Crystal Fountain Restaurant. The business eventually expanded to add ice cream equipment, a soda fountain and lunch counter. Eventually the demand for candy overtook the rest of the business. After 5 years as a restaurant the two decided to focus on candy making and created the Anthny-Thomas Candy Company in 1952.
In 1969 they expanded to a 60,000 square foot building at 1160 West Broad Street. In 1995 they built a 152,000 square foot factory at 1777 Arlingate Lane in Columbus, Ohio.
21st century
The factory was expanded by 2,000 square feet in 2016. this helped improve production and enhance the factory tour experience. In 2024 the company expanded another 20,000 square feet taking it to a total of 174,000 square feet.
Current operations
Anthony-Thomas Candy Company has one manufacturing factory and 13 retail stores in the Columbus area. There is also a fundraising and contract-manufacturing division. The company employs over 200 people and produces and average of 60,000 pounds of chocolate daily. Tours of the factory are available where you can watch production and learn about the history of the company. The company is currently run by President Joe Zanetos who is the third-generation family member, Vice-President Candi Trifelos(daughter of Joe Zanetos) who is fourth-generation family member, and Nick Trifelos(grandson of Joe Zanetos) a fifth-generation family member.
Products
The most notable item is the Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeye. They are officially licensed with The Ohio State University to sell Buckeyes with their branding. A recent number shows the annual sales being north of 14 million Buckeyes a year. They also produce fundraiser chocolate candy bars that sell to schools, churches and many organizations. Other popular items include milk and dark chocolate boxes with English toffee, pecan dainties, caramel, butter creams, sea salt, cherry cordials and more. They specialize in shell molded candies.
Other
The main manufacturing plant is located at 1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, Ohio and has a retail shop connected to it. There are an additional twelve retail stores located throughout the greater Columbus area. Anthony-Thomas partners with Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio.