Over 15 years ago, Katie Anderson-Tedder (that’s me!) started the blog “Chocolate Chat” as a way to share history, fun facts, and information about Anderson’s Candy Shop with people just like you. If you are new here, we are 106 years and counting as a family business and there is a LOT to share!

Back then, social media wasn’t what it is today, and a blog seemed like the best way to connect with all of you.

Today we have so many streams including Facebook and Instagram!

So as we looked at launching our new website this year, I asked myself, is there still a place for a blog? And do I have the bandwidth to even write it?

After all, just as the online options have evolved, so too has our business and my role in it. Back then in 2010, I was just helping my Dad (Leif) and his wife (Tracy) on the side of my fulltime career in journalism. Now, I am management at our shop. Oh yeah, and now I have three kids, too!

So I had two answers to grapple with. YES, I did think there was still a need and place for a blog. But also, NO, I did not have bandwidth.

Enter Xander, the manager of our Barrington location and our new Social Media Manager. He started with us as a high school student during the Pandemic and has grown into an integral part of our team.

He does have the bandwidth, and, with my help, will be the one who does a lot of the content writing for this blog and other streams online.

So today, as we start a new chapter in not only “Chocolate Chat’s” story, but also in Anderson’s Candy Shop’s story as a whole. As we launch our brand-new website, we also will launch this brand-new blog space.

And now, I will give it over to Xander. I know you’ll enjoy him as much as I do!

Hi! I’m Xander, the manager behind many of the social media posts you see across Facebook and Instagram. I am very excited to help carry on the legacy of this awesome blog while also introducing all of you to our brand-new website.  These next few weeks I’ll share stories, fun-facts, and history of Anderson’s along with showcasing many of the new features and functions of this brand-new site. 

I will strive to continue the high quality, interesting, and unique stories you’ve all become accustomed to while being informative, helpful, and more active than we previously have been.

The last time we posted on “Chocolate Chat,” Katie shared her excitement and goals for what was to come. Katie said in her post, “part of running a successful business is not hiding it under a bushel. And it is really important that I make time to share our light here at Anderson’s.” So even if Katie isn’t the one who can put pen to paper, or fingers to keys in this case, that doesn’t mean the light needs to fade.

Katie has set some very clear goals for what our new blog space should be, and I intend to accomplish those goals. 

So what does that look like? Well, the 3 goals intend to make posts that:

• Encourage dialogue between customers and the family at Anderson’s
• Share stories, both happy and sad, from the past 106+ years in the candy business.
• Provide information about store offerings and events.

Unlike Katie, I have no experience in journalism, marketing, or professional writing as a whole. But that doesn’t mean much will change. You might notice a different “voice” or style in the writing, but the stories, facts, and history will always be the same. And with Katie’s help, the legacy of “Chocolate Chat” will live on in this new space and continue to be one of the best ways to learn, discover, and enjoy the greatness that is Anderson’s Candy Shop.

I look forward to this next step in my future with Anderson’s and I hope you come to enjoy it as much as I will. 

Until Next Time,

-Xander and Katie