Discover the Region

Discover the Region

Grandparents on the Go

Cerreta’s Candy Company

By Cathy Droz & Cathy Burford

March 24, 2011

The goal of ‘Grandparents on the Go’ is to find that unique place in the region where the grandkids can learn something new, make new friends, and have fun while embracing their community.  Cerreta’s Candy Company was just that place.

Imagine having 3,000 to 6,000 pounds of chocolate to process every day – would you know where to begin?  Luckily for all of us, the Cerreta family does.  That’s right – the Cerreta family, of Cerreta Candy Company fame in downtown Glendale, AZ has been creating the finest local candies and chocolates for over 21 years.  However, the family’s history in the candy business began over 40 years ago, with Jim Cerreta, Sr.

Their factory, located at 5345 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ offers visitors not just the finest confections around, but allows visitors to learn all about the candy-making process.  They offer factory tours at 10am and 1pm every weekday.  Don’t worry if you can’t stop by for the tours, they have self-guided tours available during their business hours.  These tours give you a glimpse into the complex art of candy creation.  Even your youngest grandchildren will be fascinated by the sights and smells in that building!  They choose a few children for a hands-on candy project during the tour, and for an additional fee you can even attend ‘Chocolate Pizza Camp’- yummy!

You will find a fantastical array of goodies in their store; everything from chocolate-covered pretzels to French Mints ( #1 seller), pecan caramels, chocolates with every type of filling imaginable, novelties, and even taffy.  For your special occasions they can create virtually anything you have in mind.  And for those who have everything, you can purchase a 500 pound chocolate Santa, a 250 pound Valentine heart, or a 23 pound Easter Bunny.  The sky is the limit at Cerreta’s.

If you go:

Cerreta Candy Company

5345 W. Glendale Ave.

Glendale, AZ 85301

www.Cerreta.com

623.930.9000

M-F 8am-6pm  Closed Sundays