Dinstuhl’s Candies 100 years
of family ownership
D
instuhl’s Candies in Memphis,
Tennessee, USA, opened for business in 1902. This year they are celebrating an achievement of 100 years of
family ownership in the confectionery
business. In November they will have a
special open house with tours, carriage
rides, hot air balloon rides and private
celebrations with long-time suppliers.
THE PEOPLE
C.M. Dinstuhl, Sr., a candymaker at
Floyd’s candy shop in Memphis in the
1890’s, opened his own store in 1902. His
son, C.M. Dinstuhl, Jr., was involved in
the business from 1917–1954.
Gene Dinstuhl, now chairman of the
board, joined the company in 1955.
Photo taken in first Dinstuhl’s store; circa 1912.
Gary Dinstuhl, president, is the fourth
The man with the mustache was Gary Dinstuhl’s great-grandfather and the woman on the right
generation of Dinstuhl’s to operate the
was Gary’s great-grandmother. The other man behind the counter is not identified.
company.
Dinstuhl’s is a business where family members pitch in marzipan. The biggest year-round sellers are pecan
and do whatever needs to be done. Gene, Gary’s father, runs Turtlettes, truffles in several flavors, and chocolate-covered
the kitchen. Gary’s mother, Grace, now retired, managed strawberries. Cashew Crunch is Dinstuhl’s most popular
the Laurelwood store for many years. Gary’s aunt, Edna nonchocolate item.
In the busy pre-Valentine’s Day rush, Dinstuhl’s typically
McBride, manages the chocolate production. Gary’s wife,
Elaine, manages purchasing, packaging, marketing and sells between 20,000 and 25,000 valentines on the two days
other responsibilities. Gary’s son, Andrew Dinstuhl, is a before Valentine’s Day — at least 10,000 to 15,000 lbs of
candy maker. Elaine’s sons also work in the business: Russ candy —in 1-lb to 8-lb sizes and in different assortments.
The big candy season begins in early October, and sales
Brooks is vice president of operations, and Adam Brooks
is a candy maker. Elaine’s mother, Mary Price, packs candy, typically increase with each holiday occasion from Haldips chocolates, and does other jobs in the kitchen. As for loween and Thanksgiving
Gary, he’s likely to be found dipping strawberries or, when- to Christmas to Mother’s
Day. Valentine’s Day and
ever the opportunity arises, testing out a new recipe.
Easter are the top candyTHE PRODUCTS
selling holidays.
Dinstuhl’s manufactures approximately 700,000 lbs of
“Chocolate-covered
candies per year. They offer approximately 200 different strawberries are somecandy varieties, from chocolates to caramel apples, to thing of an obsession
all-occas
➤
io
n gift bo
x
The Manufacturing Confectioner • October 2002 27