A chewy taffy bar that kids once bought at the public pool is being made again in a small riverside storefront. Even better, you can watch the machines that make it.
I love that a family-run shop now handles a candy brand with roots stretching back about 130 years. The classic flavors are here.
So are soda-inspired flavors and tiny bite-sized puffs.
The shop sits on a quiet front street in southern Ohio. You can build your own candy container and ask the owners questions about how it all works.
There’s a lot to love about seeing an old childhood favorite return to production instead of disappearing into memory. Being able to browse the flavors and see where the candy is made makes the comeback even more interesting.
A Childhood Candy Got A Second Chance, And It Shows
Some candy brands fade away quietly. French Chew Co got a comeback story instead, thanks to an Ohio couple who took over the brand.
The French Chew name goes back roughly 130 years, which makes it older than most of the snacks in your pantry. Generations of kids grew up unwrapping these chewy bars at pools, ballparks, and corner stores.
Over time, some longtime fans felt the candy had slipped from its glory days. That makes the new chapter feel extra meaningful.
A family now runs the operation from a small shop where the candy is made and sold under one roof.
I like how personal that feels. Instead of a giant faceless factory, you get owners who greet visitors and talk about their product with real pride.
The heart of the brand is still the classic chew. It’s a soft, stretchy taffy that you can break into pieces or nibble slowly if you have patience.
Most people don’t.
What makes this revival special is how it connects old memories with new visitors. Grandparents can share a treat they loved as kids.
Their grandkids can discover it for the first time, often in the same visit.
That kind of moment is hard to package. Luckily, the candy comes in wrappers anyway.
Find The Shop On A Riverside Main Drag
Good news for map lovers. The shop sits right on Front Street in the river town of New Richmond, Ohio.
You’ll find it at 400 Front St, New Richmond, OH 45157. The village rests along the Ohio River, roughly a short drive southeast of Cincinnati.
That location makes a candy stop easy to fold into a day trip. You can stroll the street, look at the river, and then reward yourself with something chewy.
Nobody has to know how many pieces you bought.
Front Street gives the shop a classic small-town setting. It’s the kind of address that fits a candy brand with deep roots and a nostalgic following.
Planning matters here, though. The shop keeps daytime hours, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 4 p.m.
Monday through Saturday.
It stays closed on Sundays, so weekend travelers should aim for Saturday. Arriving earlier in the day gives you more time to browse without watching the clock.
Visitors from Cincinnati have stopped by during local events like the Appalachian Festival held in town. Combining a festival trip with a candy run feels like smart planning.
Honestly, any excuse to visit a riverside street with taffy waiting at the end counts as a good plan.
Peek At The Machines Behind Every Chewy Bar
Ever wonder how a taffy bar gets its shape? At this shop, the answer isn’t hidden behind a locked door.
French Chew Co makes its candy on site in New Richmond. The owners have welcomed visitors to see the production process and the machines that turn out the famous chews.
Tours have been offered, and the owners openly invite fans to stop in and get a look. Seeing the equipment adds a whole new layer to a simple candy purchase.
Kids especially tend to love this part. It turns candy from something that appears in a store into something real people actually make.
You can also learn how the different products come together. That includes the classic French Chews, the Mini Bites, and the newer Puffs.
My advice is simple. Reach out ahead of time if a tour is your main goal, since scheduling helps everyone.
Asking questions is part of the fun. The owners are known for being friendly and happy to chat about what they do.
For curious minds, this is a mini field trip with a delicious ending. Science class rarely came with samples, so this already wins.
Your Flavor Shortlist Is About To Get Longer
Chocolate, vanilla, and cherry walk into a candy shop. That isn’t a joke setup, just the start of the flavor lineup.
French Chew Co carries the classic flavors that made the brand famous. Chocolate has long been a favorite for fans who grew up with these bars.
Cherry stands out too, with its bright fruity taste. It’s a smart pick if you like candy with a little zip.
Then come the soda-inspired flavors. Root beer is one of them, and it brings that fizzy-drink taste into chewy form.
Having so many options can make choosing tough. A good plan is to grab one classic flavor and one adventurous flavor.
That way, you compare old-school comfort with something new.
Sharing helps as well. Split a few bars with friends or family, and everyone can vote on a favorite.
Flavors make great conversation starters at home. Bring back a mix and let people guess which ones they’ll like best.
You might discover that your childhood favorite still rules. Or you could fall for a flavor you never expected.
Either result tastes like a win.
Tiny Puffs Solve A Very Chewy Problem
Classic taffy has one tiny downside. It sticks, and some people with dental work avoid it.
That’s where the Puffs come in. French Chew Co makes these light, bite-sized balls that carry French Chew flavor in an easier-to-enjoy form.
They’re a thoughtful addition for fans who miss the taste but want something gentler. It’s a clever way to keep longtime customers in the candy game.
Puffs also work great for sharing. Pass a bag around and nobody needs to tear a bar into awkward chunks.
The Mini Bites offer another option. These small pieces make a quick treat when a full bar feels like too much.
I believe smaller formats like these are underrated. They let you sample more flavors without committing to a whole bar of each.
Kids may like them for their size, while adults may like them for portion control. Well, in theory, anyway.
Try mixing the formats during one visit. Grab a classic bar, some Mini Bites, and a handful of Puffs.
Comparing them side by side shows how one recipe can take different shapes. It’s a tasty lesson in candy creativity.
Build A Candy Container That Is All Yours
Picking candy feels better when you’re in charge. At this shop, visitors can build their own container of treats.
That means you choose the mix. Maybe it’s all chocolate, or maybe it’s a rainbow of every flavor on the shelf.
Custom containers make excellent gifts. A homemade candy mix says you put thought into it, even if the thought was mostly about cherry.
Inside, the shop has a bright, clean, and roomy feel. There’s space to move around while you browse.
That roomy layout helps families with kids. Little ones can look at options without everyone bumping elbows.
Here’s a practical tip. Make a quick plan before filling your container, so you don’t run out of room for favorites.
Start with the flavors you know you love. Then add a few new ones to keep things interesting.
If you can’t find something, just ask. The owners have said they’re happy to help visitors track down what they want.
Building a container also turns shopping into an activity. Kids can practice choosing, sharing, and maybe even budgeting their candy space.
Not bad for a sweet errand.
Live Far Away? The Taffy Can Travel
Not everyone lives near the river. Fortunately, French Chew Co offers ways to get candy beyond the shop.
The company provides delivery, which helps fans who can’t make the trip to New Richmond. That’s great news for anyone with fond memories and a long drive.
Monthly subscriptions are also available. Candy showing up regularly sounds like a very responsible life choice.
A subscription can make a fun gift. Think birthdays, holidays, or a thank-you for someone who loves old-school treats.
It’s also a good way to support a small family business. Each order helps keep this classic brand going strong.
Here’s a helpful idea. Visit the shop once to learn your favorites, then use delivery to restock.
That way, you know exactly which flavors to request. No guessing, no regret, just chewy satisfaction.
For people who grew up on French Chews, a delivery can feel like a time machine. Opening that package might bring back pool days and summer afternoons.
And for newcomers, it’s an easy introduction. You don’t need to plan a whole trip to find out what the fuss is about.
The Real Secret Ingredient Is Behind The Counter
Great candy matters. Kind people running the shop make it even sweeter.
The owners of French Chew Co are known for their warm hospitality. They answer questions, give tours, and treat visitors like welcome guests.
In one case, a family missed a scheduled tour elsewhere and ended up at the New Richmond shop. The owners opened their doors and showed them around anyway.
That kind of care says a lot about a business. It’s the small-town spirit that makes a stop feel personal.
The owners even reply to visitors online with genuine thanks. They often invite people to come back and see the factory.
I believe that personal touch is why this revival feels special. A candy brand with a long history now has people who clearly love it.
The shop has become a fun addition to Front Street in Ohio. It brings families, nostalgia seekers, and curious sweet tooths to the same counter.
So go say hello when you visit. Ask about the history, the machines, or the best flavor for a first-timer.
You’ll likely leave with candy and a smile. Possibly a second bag too, but who’s counting?
