Our History

Our history is almost as rich as our chocolate! Founded by Charlie Stephano, in 1936, the original Priscilla Candy Shop was on Pleasant Street in Downtown Gardner, Massachusetts, where he handmade chocolates and fudges. Grampy Stephano is best remembered for introducing the community to his famous French Roll; still one of our best sellers.

After World War II, Pete and Ginny (Stephano) Trudel, joined the business. Grampy Stephano took Pete under his wing, teaching him everything he knew about candy-making. In 1983 Charlie handed the reins over to Pete & Ginny. They carried on the candy-making tradition through 2006, passing the recipes and the store on to the third generation; daughter, Maureen and her husband Jimmy Gallant. Maureen and Jimmy opened a second retail location in Downtown Concord, Massachusetts where they continue hand-making and selling candy today.

Our fine chocolates, truffles, fudges, caramels, and more are still handmade in our shop on Main Street in Downtown Gardner, and sold at both the Gardner and Concord locations.