Forbes Candies

Specialties

Salt Water Taffy, chocolates, fudge, old fashion candy and souvenirs

History

Established in 1930.

The Forbes dream began for Charlie & Marion in High School. They started the 1^st kitchen in their basement! They sold the product door to door, starting with peanut brittle & salt-​water taffy. The formula has not changed; they pulled the taffy by using a hook on the wall. In 1933 their 1^st retail store in VA Beach was opened. 1 month after the opening, a hurricane wiped them out .In 1939 they converted a 2-​car garage on 17^th st. into another retail store, & expanded their candy making to include fudge, pecan logs, sea foam, jellies, etc. Duty called & Charlie joined the Merchant Marines, Marion was left with raising 3 children & running the business. Sugar & corn syrup were rationed. Ironically, popcorn ended up saving their taffy business. They owned the only popcorn machine in VA Beach. Corn & oil could be obtained during the war & Marion had the bright idea of selling popcorn for 5 cents a bag & lines of people waited their turn to purchase & Forbes Candies was kept in business!