The Sweet Traditions of Beerntsen's Confectionary

If you’ve ever stepped into Beerntsen’s Confectionary in downtown Manitowoc, you know that the atmosphere transports you back in time. The black walnut booths, candy cases, and arches are original to the candy shop – first opened in 1932. Now in its 84th year, Beerntsen’s is currently owned by Dean Schadrie, and continues to make delicious chocolates, homemade candies, and currently a wide variety of Christmas candy.

The tradition of candy making at Beerntsen’s dates back to 1932, when the store was founded by Joseph Beerntsen. Before starting his business in Manitowoc, Joe had been involved in candy making in Green Bay, Chicago, and Milwaukee. While in Green Bay, he had a four-year apprenticeship at the Brenner Candy Company from 1905-1909. In Chicago, Joe worked with the Brach and Bunte candy companies before opening his own store, The Sweet Shop. Following this endeavor, Joe moved to Milwaukee and opened Joe Beerntsen’s Candies in 1922. In 1927, he moved on to the Milwaukee Boston Store where he worked as the first manager of the store’s candy department.

Beerntsen’s Candies was opened in 1932 in Manitowoc at its current location on 8th Street. Joe operated the store until his retirement in 1958, passing the store on to his son, Richard. Richard and his wife, Ione, operated the candy store until 1983, when their son, Tom and his wife, Penny, continued to operate the store.

In July of 2003, Dean Schadrie took over ownership of the candy store, ensuring the candy traditions would continue for years to come!

Candies are still made in the traditional way – copper kettles and wooden paddles are used to make the hard candies and chocolates are still dipped by hand. Over the course of the year, over 125 different types of candies and chocolates are made. Popular Christmas items include handmade ribbon candy, candy canes, caramel corn, and a wide variety of chocolates.

The handmade chocolates are not made from cocoa beans, instead chocolate is bought in bulk from the Blommer Chocolate Company in Chicago and is remelted at Beerntsen’s to make the chocolate candies.

To this day, the Beerntsen’s tradition of making homemade candies and chocolates continues in downtown Manitowoc. Schadrie stated, “As the proprietor of the store, I feel it is my great responsibility to be the caretaker of the history and tradition of Beerntsen’s Confectionary and continue its legacy in downtown Manitowoc.” You’ll notice their storefront is always decorated for the season with corresponding chocolates and delicious candies.

Currently, the store is busy making candy canes, ribbon candy, and assorted chocolates. When asked about the Christmas candy production, Schadrie stated, “We start making Christmas candy in early October, as soon as the weather is conducive to hard candy production. We start by making tens of thousands of candy canes by hand, and thousands of pounds of chocolate to be consumed for the Christmas season.”

If you’re looking for a sweet gift to give a friend or loved one this Christmas, you’ll surely find a delectable treat for everyone on your list at Beerntsen’s Confectionary – a treasured historic Manitowoc tradition!