Lollipop Capital of the World
Answering the Burning Questions
I am sure that you have often wondered the burning question of…”Where is the lollipop capital of the world?” Or perhaps, you just pondered about where all the candy canes were made. Well, as it so happens, the answer to both of these questions is the Spangler Candy Company of Bryan, Ohio.
The Spangler Candy Company employs about one-tenth of the 8,000 residents of Bryan, Ohio. So, I would stop short of calling Bryan, Ohio, a “company town.” There are one or two other small manufacturing operations in this small, rural town in northwest Ohio. But, Spangler is undoubtably the big dog in town. Their 1,000,000 square feet production site pumps out 12,000,000 Dum Dum lollipops per day. This production rate cements Bryan, OH, as the Lollipop Capital of the World
Not just Lollipops
As if being the Lollipop Capital of the World is not enough of an accolade…how about top candy cane manufacturer in the USA.
Spangler earns the bragging rights for candy canes by cranking out 2.7 millions candy canes per day. Furthermore, if you think Spangler stops at Dum Dums and candy canes, you would be wrong. Just to complete the picture, at the Bryan site, Spangler Candy Company also manufactures Circus Peanuts and Bit-O-Honey.
Spangler is also responsible for making of the classic Sweetheart candies and Necco wafers. However, in true Americana fashion, these candies are out sourced to Mexico.
Candy World
Second only to the magic of Disney World, there is Candy World. The manufacturing plant is just north of the town. But, to satisfy the curiosity and sweet tooth of the tourists, Spangler built Candy World directly in downtown Bryan.
Candy World is part candy store, part Spangler history/museum, and part kiddie play land. Due to that play land part, most adults would kill themselves if forced to stay too long. But, where else can you buy a large bag of Dum Dums that are only root beer flavored. There is also a movie on the candy manufacturing process, as plant tours stopped since Covid.
Wrap It Up
Now, to be honest with you, I would not travel too far out of my way to visit the Lollipop Capital of the World. It does not rate that kind of excitement. I just happened to be in the area while transporting my beloved wife, Carol, to one of her wild conventions in Toledo. But, if you do drive by Bryan, OH, the top recommendation is not the iconic Dum Dums water tower, nor Candy World. The top recommendation is the 3rd Rail Saloon.
It’s a railroad themed bar that is actually on the still active Amtrak rail. They serve outstanding BBQ and have the Holy Grail of the bar scene…Pabst Blue Ribbon ON TAP. Have a wonderful day. PT
I hope you have enjoyed reading “Lollipop Capital of the World” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks
Here was another story about a fine PBR establishment… https://travelingwithpt.com/the-33-room/
If you need more information on Spangler Candy Company…https://www.spanglercandycompany.com/
Please book a ghost tour here… https://usghostadventures.com/?ref=ytmxmtg7 …so I get my commission.
