Gardners Candies

- 1613 N Atherton St ste b-1, State College, PA 16803

For residents across Central Pennsylvania, and especially those in the State College area, Gardners Candies is far more than just a candy store—it is a cherished regional institution and a tradition spanning over 125 years. Established in 1897 in Tyrone, PA, Gardners has grown from a young entrepreneur's small shop to a competitive producer of premium chocolate, maintaining a deep commitment to quality and customer service. The State College location, conveniently located on North Atherton Street, brings this legacy of sweetness directly to the local community, including the Penn State University area.

Gardners Candies has cemented its place in the heart of Pennsylvania’s celebrations, from daily indulgences to major holidays and gift-giving occasions. Their chocolates are known for their rich, high quality, and have become a traditional part of local holiday celebrations and thoughtful gestures, such as teacher gifts. The store operates as a comprehensive confectionery destination, functioning as a primary candy store, a specialized chocolate shop, a dedicated dessert shop, and a professional corporate gift supplier. This multi-faceted role ensures they can meet nearly any sweet craving or professional gifting need for local Pennsylvania residents.

The foundation of their renown lies in an enduring commitment to quality ingredients and classic recipes. One product, in particular, has become synonymous with the Gardners name across the Commonwealth: the Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®. Developed in collaboration with the Penn State University Food Science Department, this signature treat combines rich, creamy peanut butter with sweet, high-quality chocolate, creating a unique and beloved flavor profile that is nearly impossible to duplicate. This store serves as a vital local outlet for this Pennsylvania icon.

Location and Accessibility

The Gardners Candies store in State College is situated in a highly accessible commercial area, making it a convenient stop for local shoppers and commuters in Centre County. Located within the TJ Maxx Plaza, the store’s address is:

• 1613 N Atherton St ste b-1, State College, PA 16803, USA

The store's placement on North Atherton Street ensures easy vehicular access and is set up perfectly for a quick visit, whether you are running errands or simply stopping by for a treat. Understanding the importance of convenience for their Pennsylvania customer base, the State College location offers essential accessibility features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

For swift and secure transactions, a variety of modern payment options are accepted:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• NFC mobile payments

While the convenience of cash transactions is often appreciated, customers who prefer the added security of non-cash payments have ample options available to them, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.

Services Offered

The State College Gardners Candies location provides a suite of services designed for maximum customer convenience and product availability, catering to both spontaneous shoppers and those planning for large events or business needs. These services emphasize ease of purchase and flexibility.

Key services provided to the Pennsylvania community include:

• In-store Shopping: A traditional retail experience with a wide selection of their famous boxed chocolates, bulk candies, and seasonal specialties.
• In-store Pickup: Customers can place orders online or by phone and pick them up directly at the State College store, facilitating a fast and efficient transaction for busy schedules.
• Onsite Services: Staff are available to provide personal assistance, gift wrapping, and help with large corporate or fundraising orders.
• Fundraising Program Support: The company facilitates a widely-used fundraising program, allowing local schools, fraternities, sororities, and organizations to sell Gardners' popular products, such as the Peanut Butter Meltaway bars, to raise money.
• Business & Corporate Gifting: Offering a dedicated program with volume discounts and custom options, perfect for Pennsylvania businesses looking to impress clients or appreciate employees.
• Gift Wrapping and Customization: Free gift wrapping is often available, and they create pre-packaged candy-filled trays, baskets, and collector tins for elegant presentation.
• Mail-Order Service: For those wishing to send gifts across the state or the country, the company provides a reliable mail-anywhere service.

Features / Highlights

Gardners Candies is distinguished by its deep Central PA roots, its iconic signature product, and the overall quality of its confectionary craftsmanship. The brand's connection to the local heritage and its commitment to time-honored techniques are major draws for Pennsylvania residents.

Notable highlights and unique features include:

• The Original Peanut Butter Meltaway®: A signature, exclusive item developed in collaboration with Penn State, known for its unique, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
• Central PA Tradition: A trusted company operating since 1897, making their products a time-honored part of local family and holiday customs throughout the region.
• High-Quality Chocolate: A stellar reputation built upon providing rich quality products, with a focus on premium ingredients that sets their chocolate apart.
• Specialty and Novelty Items: A wide variety of products, from classic assortments and old-school candy to unique mounded chocolates in various shapes (like tractors or roses) and seasonal treats (such as large Meltaway eggs for Easter).
• Corporate & Custom Gifting Expertise: They offer specialized solutions for businesses, including custom chocolate logos, personalized bar wrappers, and custom labels on gifts, reflecting high standards of appreciation.
• Customer Loyalty Program: The availability of a frequent shopper program for discounts and perks encourages repeat visits and rewards local, loyal customers.
• BashCake®: A unique party item—a hollow milk chocolate “piñata” filled with Meltaways and other treasures, which is broken open with a small hammer, offering a fun, memorable dessert experience.

Contact Information

For residents in the State College area needing to place an order, inquire about products, or check on store hours, the contact details for the N Atherton St location are:

• Address: 1613 N Atherton St ste b-1, State College, PA 16803, USA
• Phone: (814) 237-5908
• Mobile Phone: +1 814-237-5908

For corporate gifting or large volume orders, customers may also contact the dedicated business gifting line at 1-800-242-2639 to speak with a specialist.

What is Worth Choosing Gardners Candies?

For Pennsylvanians, choosing Gardners Candies in State College means supporting a local legacy and guaranteeing a high-quality product. It is worth choosing Gardners specifically because of its over a century-long tradition of excellence, which has made their products a central element in local life, holiday traditions, and the overall confectionery landscape of the Commonwealth. When you purchase Gardners Candies, you are not just buying a sweet treat; you are engaging with a piece of Central Pennsylvania history.

The unique draw of the Original Peanut Butter Meltaway® alone is a compelling reason to visit, as this product is a proprietary specialty that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Beyond individual purchases, the store's professionalism as a corporate gift supplier is a major advantage for local businesses. Their business gifting program offers competitive volume discounts and customization options that allow Pennsylvanian companies to present a gift that is both luxurious and locally meaningful. Whether you need a small treat for a family member, a large Easter basket, or a custom-branded gift for a major client, Gardners provides a trusted combination of rich quality, competitive pricing, and dedicated customer service. The strong connection to the community, including its founding relationship with Penn State, solidifies its role as the premier choice for chocolates and specialty desserts in the State College area and beyond.

Gardners Candies

1613 N Atherton St ste b-1, State College, PA 16803, USA