Today was a “sweet” day because we went to Sarris Candies Store & Ice Cream Parlor in Canonsburg, PA. Located off of I-79 just north of Washington, PA. One taste of their chocolate and you’ll fall in love. Here is the history of Sarris Candies from their website: www.sarriscandies.com
You might say it all started when Frank Sarris found a sweetheart. As a young man trying to win the affections of the lovely Athena, Frank presented her with a gift as sweet as she was, a box of chocolates. Athena’s face lit up as she lifted the lid and Frank knew he was in love. He also knew he could make better chocolate.
And so he began, first producing small amounts in his basement for friends and family and then, as the word spread, he began making more and more candy for the local market. Frank and Athena married soon after and Sarris Candies was born in the basement of their Canonsburg home.
Working as a forklift operator by day and candy maker by night, he realized that one or the other- his candy enterprise or his career had to end. Thankfully for the thousands of “sweet-tooths” that enjoy Sarris chocolate, Frank Sarris quit his job and started stirring batches full time.
By 1963, Frank had outgrown his basement. So he built a small candy shop next door to his house. Five years later, the house was demolished to make room for an even bigger candy shop and he and Athena settled into an apartment above the shop.
Over the years, Frank never forgot the quaint soda fountains of his youth which sold ice cream and penny candy. In 1982, with the help of his son, he created his very own old-fashioned ice cream parlour complete with period-style, red and brass booths and shimmering crystal chandeliers. Each year, thousands of people come from miles around to sample sundaes and other cool treats made with Sarris’ homemade ice cream and toppings.
Many family members helped to build the business which has turned into a Canonsburg landmark. Today, the Sarris Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Parlour fill an area the size of a football field with over 100 yards of chocolate, penny candy, ice cream and life-like plush toys.
To this day, Frank and Athena are still sweet on each other. One taste of Sarris Chocolates and you’ll fall in love, too!

On the way home we stopped at the Welcome Center in Garrett County, Maryland. We had a dusting of snow to top off our chocolately dreamy day!
Tags: Polly 35
November 28th, 2010 at 2:58 am
I absolutely love the picture of your three children and Polly! This post is fantastic, as always…keep posting, Polly #35!
November 29th, 2010 at 12:25 am
SWEET STUFF!
November 29th, 2010 at 12:45 am
Great candy and an even better story! Polly #35 & Co. has done it again!
December 4th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Did you buy any candy when you were there? It all looks so good.
December 5th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
The kids do a great job with these posts (as does mom, I’m sure). I always look forward to seeing a Polly #35 story!
December 14th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Polly #35 is a very cool frog and her family is great, too! I agree with Jazzy Jeff, their posts are always fantastic.
December 29th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Thanks for all of the kudos. We just tell our adventures the best that we can. As for the candy purchasing-my family got some chocolate candies. They were out of chocolate covered flies:( though. Our Christmas adventures are coming soon. Enjoy!
April 7th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
I would looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove to be at that store and I would eat EVERYTHING IN THAT STORE!
April 7th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
I agree with you Al…it all looks great! Yum!
Polly #3