Watch the chocolate-making process at Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory and enjoy free yummy samples!
Well-known around the nation for its top-tier chocolates and original handmade creations, Angell & Phelps has been a staple in Daytona Beach for decades. And now, visitors from far and wide can come and observe how its candy is made the old-fashioned way!
Back in 1925 on the tiny “gem of the Great Lakes” called Mackinac Island, Michigan, Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory was started by Riddell Angell and Cora Phelps. These two women worked hard to produce a high standard of chocolate-making and to maintain a successful business — and all on their own. The women spent winters in Daytona Beach, where they also opened a shop — a very different climate than Michigan, indeed. Years later at the beginning of World War II, the pair permanently closed the Michigan location and focused all of their energy on Daytona Beach.
Their story is especially inspiring when you take into account the limited business opportunities that were available to women in the 1920s. What’s perhaps equally impressive is that the women started this business during the summertime — and before air conditioning was invented! The sheer amount of passion and drive it must have taken to work in those circumstances is incredible.
After nearly two decades of dedicated work, the women retired and sold the shop to a husband-and-wife team originally from Ohio — the Resingers. The ownership changed, but the high standard of quality did not. In fact, the Resingers grew the shop’s reputation for quality and consistency significantly, and eventually expanded the scope of the operation to include milk chocolate. At times, the shop was so popular, the owners had to insist on not taking orders after mid-December because they simply couldn’t keep up with the high demand.
Once again, in 1983, the shop’s ownership changed hands, but it remains a family-owned operation; Dr. Alvin Smith purchased the company, and today it is operated by his son Chuck.
Over the years, Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory has stayed true to its commitment in value and has subsequently stood the test of time. Today, they are still using many of the original recipes, as well as some of the same old-fashioned pieces of equipment. And, you can come see it work in person!
Thousands of visitors enjoy visiting Angell & Phelps each year — it made TripAdvisors’ list of the top 10 Sweetest Attractions in the U.S. not too long ago, and was even selected as part of the official “swag bag" at ESPN's ESPY Awards, which honors the top sports stars of the year. From athletes to average beachgoers, everyone appreciates the unique experience of touring a chocolate factory (and the samples!). Make Angell & Phelps a must-see stop on your next visit to the area — a sweet treat for a perfect beach getaway.
Watch the chocolate-making process during operating hours (Monday-Saturday) and witness the inner workings of the factory for 500 to 1,000 visitors each day, and highlight how the shop makes its famous truffles, fudge, chocolate-covered cherries and more. Make sure to enjoy a free sample, too!
If you’re feeling adventurous, pop in for unique items such as chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate-covered Twinkies and chocolate-covered coffee beans.
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