Wintek Business Solutions proudly serves hundreds of local businesses that power Greater Lafayette’s economy. Among them is McCord Candies, the self-described “Sweetest Corner in Town” known for their holiday season candy canes.
It’s difficult to imagine a colorful, crunchy candy cane ever resembling “hot earwax,” as some McCord Candies employees have jokingly referred to the initial melt-down of sugar and water.
But after the McCord crew works its magic, they become hand-pulled candy canes – a holiday tradition at the iconic candy shop and luncheonette, open since 1912 at 536 Main St. in Lafayette.
“We’re among the few stores left in the United States to pull their own candy canes,” says Angie Pattengale, who co-owns McCord Candies with her husband, Billie. “This year, we’re on pace to make 40,000 candy canes. That’s a lot of candy cane pulling!”
While the shop has been remodeled several times over the years, nothing has changed about the time-tested candy-cane recipe, secret ingredient and all. McCord Candies also sells hot chocolate mix with candy-cane flavor.
The McCord crew knows how to warm, knead, hook, pull, twist, cut, shape and bag like the backs of their red-dyed hands. Three to four batches a night often adds up to about 1,000 canes. (Although there are currently no more available spots for this year’s candy cane tours – where visitors can see how the candy canes are made – be sure to check the McCord Candies website for any additional scheduled tours.)
“A lot of people are surprised about how few ingredients there are but how much attention and skill it takes to produce them,” Angie Pattengale says. “It’s always fun to see the reaction of pouring the hot sugar mixture out on the table, too.
“We love the stories about traditions in our story. People remember when they were kids and enjoyed coming in for their favorite sodas. The candy canes have also become a tradition that a lot of local families hold dear. We love what we do and love to be a part of our community in a way that is so memorable.”
