Last updated: July 6, 2023
Place
Blumenthal Brothers Chocolate Factory
Photograph by Kevin McMahon, courtesy of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office
Quick Facts
Location:
2201-21 Margaret Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Significance:
Architecture, Industry
Designation:
Listed in the National Register - Reference number 100008646
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
MANAGED BY:
Private
The Blumenthal Brothers Chocolate Factory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2023. The factory is significant as the original producer of numerous notable chocolate products like Goobers, Raisinets, and Sno-caps.
The Blumenthal Brothers Chocolate Company originated as the Blumenthal Brothers Extract Company in 1900, specializing in manufacturing flavoring extracts. By 1905, the company began producing chocolate liquors and cocoa powder; their financial success from pivoting to chocolate products allowed them to purchase land in the Bridesburg neighborhood, where they built the chocolate factory in 1922. The factory, an Art Deco building with striking Gothic features, became a prominent part of brand identity and advertising for Blumenthal Brothers products.
Pennsylvania was the center of American chocolate production in early 20th century, and the Blumenthals faced stiff competition. However, the company gained a competitive edge in 1925 when the Blumenthals were approached by Jacob Beresin, a fellow Philadelphian. Beresin, who is credited with introducing popcorn and candy to theatres, was interested in creating chocolate products that could be sold at movie theatres. Together, the brothers and Beresin developed Goobers, Raisinets, and Sno-Caps, which were distributed nationally and were available in thousands of movie theatres by 1930.
The Blumenthal family sold the company in 1969, and it was renamed the Ward Candy Company. The Ward Candy Company continued to produce Goobers, Raisinets, and Sno-Caps until 1984, when the company went bankrupt and sold its operations and brands to Nestlé, who continues to produce these products to this day. Nestlé moved production of those candies to manufacturing sites outside of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia factory closed in 1984.
The Blumenthal Brothers Chocolate Company originated as the Blumenthal Brothers Extract Company in 1900, specializing in manufacturing flavoring extracts. By 1905, the company began producing chocolate liquors and cocoa powder; their financial success from pivoting to chocolate products allowed them to purchase land in the Bridesburg neighborhood, where they built the chocolate factory in 1922. The factory, an Art Deco building with striking Gothic features, became a prominent part of brand identity and advertising for Blumenthal Brothers products.
Pennsylvania was the center of American chocolate production in early 20th century, and the Blumenthals faced stiff competition. However, the company gained a competitive edge in 1925 when the Blumenthals were approached by Jacob Beresin, a fellow Philadelphian. Beresin, who is credited with introducing popcorn and candy to theatres, was interested in creating chocolate products that could be sold at movie theatres. Together, the brothers and Beresin developed Goobers, Raisinets, and Sno-Caps, which were distributed nationally and were available in thousands of movie theatres by 1930.
The Blumenthal family sold the company in 1969, and it was renamed the Ward Candy Company. The Ward Candy Company continued to produce Goobers, Raisinets, and Sno-Caps until 1984, when the company went bankrupt and sold its operations and brands to Nestlé, who continues to produce these products to this day. Nestlé moved production of those candies to manufacturing sites outside of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia factory closed in 1984.