Chicago Greeks’ Sweet Legacy
Over the years, Chicago—and other parts of the US—has been home to many notable candy makers. While many Greek immigrants found work in diners feeding their communities, others went the sweet route. From candy stores to full-fledged bakeries, Greeks made their name in the candy business. You can bet your sweet tooth on it! Surely, you’ve heard of Dove Chocolates (creators of the Dove Bar) and Cupid Candies. But Greeks all over Chicagoland opened candy stores and bakeries.
Did you know that The Delta, Chicago’s original Greektown, was home to more than 6 pastry and candy shops?
Yes, Chicago Greeks have a sweet history, satisfying sweet tooths for more than 100 years! And with all the other Chicagoans in the candy business, it’s no surprise that the National Confectioners Association was born here in Chicago.
FUN FACT: For a time, the NCA managing director and association president was Themi Vasils, a retired Chicago Greek journalist and author who was among the founding mothers/fathers of the National Hellenic Museum, for which she served as a trustee for more than 20 years, including a term as president of their board of directors.
Maria A. Karamitsos is an Amazon affiliate. As an Amazon affiliate, she earns money from qualifying purchases. By clicking through the links, when you make a purchase, she will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps to support her writerly endeavors Thank you!
Books on Chicago Greeks in the Sweet Biz
Chicago Greeks’ sweet legacy is chronicled in several books. These books will activate your sweet tooth for sure. Check them out!
Sweet Greeks: First Generation Immigrant Confectioners in the Heartland by Ann Flesor Beck
University of Illinois Press, 2020
The story of how Greeks became candy makers. Includes history of Gus Flesor, the author’s grandfather, an early candymaker/entrepreneur.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit of the Greek Immigrant in Chicago, Illinois: 1900-1930 by Alexander Rassogianis
iUniverse, 2015
Chronicles the entrepreneurial activities of early Greek immigrants in Chicago, including candy and pastry shop owners.
Chicago’s Sweet Candy History (Images of America series) by Leslie Goddard
Arcadia Publishing, 2012
Examines Chicago candy history, including some Chicago Greeks, as it became home to some of the biggest names in the business.
Greektown Chicago: Its History, Its Recipes by Alexa Ganakos
G. Bradley Publishing, 2005
Shares stories, customs, and recipes of Chicago Greeks and Greektown, from its original location on the site of the University of Illinois at Chicago, to the Greek community today.
FUN FACT: I’m so proud to have been part of that project. It was my first book contribution. They called me the food editor. 😉
Once located at 607 S. Halsted Street
in Chicago’s Original Greektown, The Delta.
IMAGE: Wallace Kirkland
Are you on my email list? Get my monthly newsletter and stay up to date on all my latest news, learn about recent blog posts, and more. Click HERE to join. It’s FREE.
Craving something sweet?
Reading Chicago Greeks’ sweet history will surely be satisfying. And then, of course, you must treat yourself to a sweet treat!
Read more:
‘Greek Goddess of Comedy’ Ellen Karis Pens Children’s Book
REVIEW: Greek-American Author Joanna Eleftheriou’s ‘THIS WAY BACK’
