Brown Sugar Acquires Historic Cupid Candies.

Cupid Candies was founded in 1936 by the late Paul Stefanos. His brother, Leo, would go on to invent the Dove bar. The first store was at 79th Street and Ashland Avenue on the South Side, where only fudge, toffee and popcorn were sold. By 1940, Paul and his wife, Pauline, opened another store at 3207 W. 63rd St., along with a small manufacturing plant.

The family continued to grow Cupid Candies, moving in 1943 to 3143 W. 63rd St. in Chicago. The company expanded again in 1956 with a new plant at 7637 S. Western Ave., where the candy factory still operates today.

The family-owned and operated Cupid Candies manufactured quality chocolates, nuts, candies and ice cream from its factory on Western Avenue in Gresham.

In 2020, Hearing that John Stefanos was looking for a buyer, Brown Sugar Bakery purchased the Cupid Candies factory.

Brown Sugar Bakery recently renovated this historic factory and continues the tradition of Chicago Candymakers. The new label "Life is Sweet" is available online and in local stores.