The Candy Hall of Fame Experience is set to open by late next summer on the Magnificent Mile, according to an April 14 announcement. The new attraction will occupy 60,000 square feet across three floors at 830 N. Michigan Ave., marking the first permanent home for the Candy Hall of Fame since its founding in 1971.
Organizers say the experience will highlight the history of the candy industry, showcase well-known brands, and honor innovators and entrepreneurs behind them. The National Confectionery Sales Association established the Candy Hall of Fame and selected Chicago as its location after considering Orlando and New York.
Teresa Tarantino, executive director of both organizations, said Chicago was chosen because “it almost felt right in place with Chicago, because of their strong history going back 200 years plus of candy making in the city and in Illinois in general.” She also said that a team with expertise in branding, candy retailing, and theater has been assembled for this project. That group includes Jeff Rubin—founder and former CEO of IT’SUGAR—brand expert Janet Planet, and Broadway set designer David Korins.
The new venue will feature a 20,000-square-foot retail space offering a variety of candies and branded merchandise from local makers on its third floor. Upper floors will house interactive exhibits about confectionery production as well as ticketed attractions. Tarantino confirmed that tasting candy would be part of these hands-on experiences: “We can’t bring people in and say … we’re bringing you into this candy experience, but there’s really no candy.” A restaurant is also planned for the site but has not yet been announced.
The development joins other experiential retailers along Michigan Avenue such as the Harry Potter Shop and Hand & The Eye magic theater. It will share its building with recent tenants like Hotel Chocolat and JPMorgan Chase’s flagship branch.
