The Idaho Candy Company in Boise, Idaho, has been crafting nostalgic candy like the Idaho Spud Bar and Owyhee Butter Toffee since 1901, evoking memories of simpler times. At the heart of this legacy is their 1909 factory, a revolutionary facility that transformed candy production with innovative features like skylights and a worker welfare room. While production tours are not currently available, the new owners, the Sturdivant family, are actively working to bring back factory tours, promising an exciting opportunity to experience nostalgic candy-making firsthand. From the iconic 15 Count Variety Pack to the quirky Idaho Spud, discover how this historic factory laid the foundation for nostalgic candy and why its future tours will delight candy lovers.
The 1909 Factory: A Revolutionary Hub for Nostalgic Candy
Built in 1909, the Idaho Candy Company’s 23,000-square-foot factory was hailed as Boise’s most modern building, designed by architects Tourtellotte and Hummel. Its revolutionary features set it apart in an era of rudimentary factories:
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Skylights: The first building in Idaho with skylights, providing natural light to enhance precision in crafting nostalgic candy like the Idaho Spud Bar.
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Welfare Room: A dedicated break room for employees, a progressive concept that boosted morale and productivity.
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Specialized Design: A cooling tunnel in the basement and heavy-duty beams to support 50,000-pound machinery ensured efficient production of nostalgic candy.
These innovations addressed common challenges like poor lighting and worker fatigue, allowing the company to scale production of nostalgic candy while maintaining quality. The factory, still operational with some original equipment, produces classics like the Old Faithful Bar and Cherry Cocktail Bar, preserving the authentic taste of nostalgic candy.
The Sturdivants’ Vision: Bringing Back Factory Tours
Currently, the Idaho Candy Company’s factory at 412 South 8th Street does not offer production tours, but visitors can explore a retail store with a candy history display and free samples. In July 2025, the Sturdivant family acquired the company from the Wagers family, who had owned it since 1984. New owners Paul and Megan Sturdivant are committed to expanding public access, with plans to reintroduce factory tours to showcase the historic machinery and nostalgic candy production process. They’ve already extended store hours to include most Saturdays, enhancing access for locals and tourists.
These upcoming tours will offer a rare glimpse into the 1909 factory’s operations, where nostalgic candy like the Idaho Spud Bar is still handcrafted. The Sturdivants aim to highlight the factory’s role in Boise’s history, making it a must-visit for candy enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Idaho’s heritage. Stay updated on tour announcements by following Idaho Candy Company’s Instagram or visiting idahospud.com.