A Tale of Two Sweethearts
In the heart of Chicago, a city renowned for its rich culinary history, a sweet story of legacy and innovation unfolds. This is the tale of two beloved local institutions: Cupid Candies, a South Side icon since 1936, and Brown Sugar Bakery, a celebrated purveyor of Southern-style sweets. In 2020, these two stories intertwined when Stephanie Hart acquired the historic Cupid Candies factory, ushering in a new era for Chicago confectionery.
Chicago as Candy Capital: The Early Years
Chicago was home to over 1,000 candy companies, many founded by Greek immigrants seeking the American Dream
Founded Cupid Candies on Chicago's South Side at 79th and Ashland, starting with only fudge, toffee, and popcorn
Paul Stefanos created the famous 3-layer meltaway candy, which became the most featured candy at Marshall Field's department store during holidays
These early innovations established Cupid Candies as a cornerstone of Chicago's candy-making tradition
The legendary 3-layer meltaway candy created in 1940
Growth and Legacy: 1956-2020
Opened the Western Avenue factory, which remains operational today and became the manufacturing site for the legendary Dove Bar
Remained family-owned and operated until 2020, representing authentic Chicago candy-making tradition
The Dove Bar: A Chicago Icon Born at Cupid
Leo Stefanos (Paul's brother) invented the Dove Bar in 1956 at his shop, Dove Candies & Ice Cream, located at 60th and Pulaski. Inspired by watching his son chase an ice cream truck, Leo created a hand-dipped high-quality vanilla ice cream bar covered in rich, dark chocolate.
The Dove Bar was manufactured at the Cupid Candies factory on Western Avenue, bringing together the expertise of both Stefanos brothers. This connection between the two family businesses ensured the highest quality chocolate coating for each bar.
For nearly three decades, the Dove Bar remained a cherished local secret enjoyed by South Side Chicagoans. In 1984, it became a nationwide sensation, introducing America to the premium ice cream bar experience.
Acquired by Mars, Inc. in 1986, the Dove Bar remains one of Chicago's most famous culinary exports, forever linking the Stefanos family name to an American icon.
The Heart of Cupid's Quality
"I run a little bit of everything around here. It's pretty fun to have chocolate every day so that's a good thing in life."
"A long time ago, John taught me everything I know here."
Originally from Mexico City, personally trained by John Stefanos
"They're good people to work for. It's nice to work for a family business."
Mexican immigrant workers carrying on the tradition established by Greek immigrant founders, showcasing Chicago's rich immigrant candy-making legacy that spans generations.
These employees are guardians of secret recipes and traditional techniques that cannot be replicated by machines, ensuring every chocolate maintains exceptional quality.
Master of Transition
Valentine Gelata at the Cupid Candies factory
Valentine Gelata played a crucial role in bridging the old and new eras, bringing decades of expertise to the transition
"With the creative help of Stephanie Hart and Susan Oleary, we were able to go from an idea to develop a line of Chocolates to Products on the shelf at Nordstrom Michigan Ave. Chicago in less than 30 days!!!!"
"Our employees did not graduate from Le Cordon Bleu. We do not create shiny, hard perfectly tempered European chocolate on purpose, rather, we rely on the traditions of Chicago based American Chocolate—soft, perfectly set, silky smooth with a flavor that takes you back to simpler times."
"Our standards are high and our process is built on formulas and traditions that date back decades. Many of our employee/creators have been loyal to us for over 30 years and we are also training new creators."
"The Cupid Candies Factory is BACK!!!"
The 2020 Transformation
Three generations united: Stephanie Hart with John Stefanos, beneath the watchful portrait of founder Paul Stefanos
After a 20-year career in tech, founded Brown Sugar Bakery in 2002, creating an iconic Black woman-owned institution on Chicago's South Side
In 2020, with a $500,000 grant from the state of Illinois, Hart purchased the 84-year-old Cupid Candies factory and name
John Stefanos passed away September 26, 2020, the night before the Oak Lawn store closed, knowing his legacy would continue
Hart retained the factory's dedicated staff, including many with over 30 years of service, ensuring preservation of traditional chocolate-making expertise
Hart became the only Black woman-owned chocolate manufacturer in America, bridging Greek immigrant heritage with modern entrepreneurship
Love Letter to the City
"Chicago is more than a city—it's a feeling, a collection of moments that take your breath away"
Each box features stunning vintage-style illustrations of Chicago's most treasured locations, making them keepsakes beyond just packaging
Inside each postcard box are signature handmade chocolates crafted at the historic Cupid Candies factory using traditional methods
From the Art Institute's iconic lions to the beloved L Train, from Buckingham Fountain's summer spray to the Zoo's winter lights—each design celebrates a cherished Chicago landmark
14 unique designs capturing the spirit of Chicago
14 Designs Celebrating Chicago
Perfect for sending to those who miss home, welcoming visitors, or celebrating Chicago pride with authentic handmade chocolates
