For decades, locals and tourists in Savannah have been irresistibly drawn to the unforgettable charms of River Street Sweets, a beloved family business with a huge assortment of prized confections that offer something for everyone. For years, customers around the world have been fascinated while watching team members stir a batch of the World Famous Pralines® in a giant copper kettle, add pecans to Chocolate Bear Claws, or fill colorful boxes with handmade chocolates and candies. For those who grew up in or near Savannah in the last 50 years, savoring scrumptious pralines or mouthwatering chocolates was like tasting a piece of candy history.
Unlike most candy or ice cream shops, a hallmark of the River Street Sweets brand is that everything has always been made on the premises with samples offered to customers who often became fans for life. A thriving ecommerce business ensured that when vacationers returned to their homes, they were able to order delectable pralines and favorite chocolates online. But even with their sweet tooths satisfied, customers lamented there was no way to duplicate the tantalizing aromas and contagiously happy vibe that lingered in their memories after a visit to the historic candy store. According to co-owner Jennifer Strickland, replicating the River Street Sweets experience was the first priority when the family decided to scale the business through franchising in 2014 and increase the brand’s footprint nationwide.
“Customers love to see us making the candy,” Strickland said. They are fascinated with the ingredients and the candy making process. We make World Famous Pralines every 30 minutes and offer them to all who enter our doors. This is an important difference because there are few, if any, candy stores making confections, chocolates, and ice cream on the premises. This not only distinguishes us from competitors but is a very appealing concept for investors and franchisees.”
Currently there are seven franchise locations stretching from Asbury Park, New Jersey, to Key West, Florida. All franchise locations are owned and operated with the brand name River Street Sweets • Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, with owners trained and supported by corporate headquarters to ensure that every store serves fresh, homemade Southern candies in a clean, fun environment. Franchisee Glen Willard opened the first franchise store at Tanger Outlets in Pooler, Georgia in 2015, followed by a second location in Key West on historic Duval Street. After eight years at two thriving locations, business has been sweet!
“Owning this franchise has been life-changing,” said Willard. “One of the greatest benefits is that my wife and two kids are involved. We are continuing the family-owned tradition associated with the brand, and I definitely see this as a legacy I will pass on to my family. As for prospective franchisees, the opportunities and locations are endless!”
Other franchise owned River Street Sweets • Savannah’s Candy Kitchen locations include Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Greenville, South Carolina, Atlanta, Georgia, Asbury Park, New Jersey, and Kissimmee, Florida. In addition, there are seven company-owned locations, including three in Savannah at River Street, Broughton, and Habersham Village, and two in Charleston, South Caroline on Market Street and in North Charleston at Tanger Outlets. Two company-owned stores are also located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Sarasota, Florida. The growth seems phenomenal considering the business concept started in the family’s kitchen at home more than 50 years ago.
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jennifer and her family had the pleasure of relishing southern treats such as pralines during numerous trips to New Orleans. Her father, well-known candy master Stan Strickland, recognized the demand for this sweet treat and tinkered with recipes at home with Pam, her mother, while Jennifer and her brother, Tim, were official taste testers. After hundreds of batches, the family perfected the “World Famous Pralines” recipe still used today by River Street Sweets.
As the brand has grown, so has the Strickland family’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy. Recently they commemorated their 50th anniversary and marked their seventh year of support for Kids Café, a Feeding America program that originated in Savannah in 1989. The organization is the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States.
“After 50 years of sweet success, we are honored to pay it forward by supporting an organization that brings hope and nourishment to hungry kids across America,” said co-owner Tim Strickland. “Kids Café makes a significant impact on the community by offering after-school programs and free meals to children all year long, which is especially important during summer months. Last year our promotion for National Pralines Day raised more than $10,000 and provided 52,590 meals to at-risk children. We are expecting to exceed those results with this year’s promotion.”
With a heart for helping people and enriching the lives of their customers, families, friends, community, and franchisees, River Street Sweets was named the “Second Best Candy Franchise in the Country” by Entrepreneur.com. The brand is expanding its tradition with locations throughout the country with as many as 20 locations planned within the next five years, according to Jennifer Strickland.
“Our Southern family business has grown into an iconic brand like no other candy store in America,” she said. “It’s a success story that is perfect for franchisees who realize they can bring sweet memories to guests and have fun while building a great business. With the help of our dedicated franchisees and all the team members dedicated to our special Guest Experience, we are working toward becoming the #1 candy franchise in America.”