Operators of longtime Historic Folsom candy store recognized for commitment, service to community
It was a night that will go down in history for many, all in the spirit of celebrating local itself last week in Folsom as Folsom History presented its annual benefit now known as History Makers, that honors the efforts someone each year that makes a difference in the community, especially when it comes to preserving and recognizing history.
This year, the recipients of the prestigious honor were Jim and Renee Snook, who are best known for carrying on the legacy of Snook’s Candies and Chocolate Factory in Historic Folsom, a multi- generation family owned and operated business that is a living legacy in the community.
In addition to their dedicated to their family business, the local couple has made countless contributions through the years in so many ways that have made the City of Folsom unique, while keeping much of its history front and center.
“It was truly magical and a heartwarming tribute to our family’s dedication to personal, professional and community growth through service to others over these many decades,” said Renee Snook following the very special evening in their honor. “We are forever grateful.”
Taking place at the beautiful Bacchus House in Folsom, where owner Eric Adams graciously hosted the affair, the event not only honored the Snook’s for their service, but also was a key fundraiser for History Folsom, including the Folsom History Museum and the many programs it offers.
The event raised funds by pre-event ticket sales for the evening that included a four course dinner and wine experience. The evening included a number auction items as well, all of which made for a successful night of fundraising for something very important in the community – history.
In addition to dinner, the evening paid homage to the Snook family, with a great collection of photos and memorabilia through the years as the family’s business planted its roots in the area and continued to grow in size and location, something that is still happening today with even more expansion in the works.
Folsom History Board Member and Folsom Times co-founder Adam Frick was he emcee for the evening. Frick even dresses appropriately for the part, completely decked out as the iconic “Willy Wonka,” leader of the great fictional chocolate factory. But on this night, it was about fictional chocolate making heroes, it was about those who are very real and very special to the City of Folsom.
The evening included many stories about the Snook’s from members of the community, including business owners, community leaders, longtime residents, leadership from Folsom History and more. It also included many thanks, smiles and tears from the Snook’s as they took the time to speak and offer their gratitude for the very special recognition.
“Thank you to the board of our treasured Folsom History Museum for choose us as honored History Makers and for putting all this together,” said Jim and Renee in a message thanking Folsom History for the honor. “We are truly blessed.”
Rich in history, Snook’s Chocolate Candies a cornerstone of community
The story of Snook’s humble beginnings has been told time and time again and it never gets old. It’s one that includes family values, entrepreneurship, determination, and, there is even a special love story mixed into the background.
Snooks Candies and Chocolate Factory was originally established in 1963 as Country Candies by the late John and Jeannine Snook. The candy shop was located at the Arden Fair Food Circus in the heart of the city’s Arden area. Through the years, their children began becoming a part of the candy making business.
In 1975 Jim started to learn the Confectionery Craft and later his older brother Jeff joined the company. John sold real estate for a few years until the market downturn. In 1980 they changed the name to Snook’s Candies. John and Jeannine with the help of daughter Julie opened a store in Tahoe City in 1981 and eventually sold it 18 years later in 1999.
It was the Arden store that brought Jim and Renee, Folsom’s true “candy couple” together. The couple loves to tell the story of how they met and fell in love and how chocolate was a big part of it.
It all happened back in 1982, Renee had to visit a local department store to make an exchange. At the same time, Jim Snook was working at his parents’ candy store, stretching out the peanut brittle just inside the front window like he did on a regular basis.
“He had his name tag on his shirt, so I said, ‘Hi Jim, it looks hot back there.’ I didn’t even know what I was doing but my feet weren’t moving!” is how Renee describes their meeting time and time again. “He asked what my name was, so I told him. Then I got my bread and left.”
Every Saturday after that, Renee would see Jim working at the candy store when she was shopping. One time, he decided to get her number. “He yelled my name and came running after me,” she said. “I said, ‘Yes, Jim, what can I do for you?’ That’s how it all began.”
With the lease at Food Circus nearing its end and the new landowners planning to demolish and rebuild the site, the family opened a new business in Historic Folsom below what was then the Hacienda Restaurant March in 1985. John knew the owners of the Hacienda Restaurant who lived in Tahoe City and they had recently purchased the building in Historic Folsom and were seeking tenants. It was then that the Snook’s name officially became a part of the Folsom community.
In 1999 after John and Jeannine sold the Tahoe City location and looked forward to retirement. Jim and Renee Snook purchased their shares of the company and in 2002 moved the business to its current home on Sutter Street. The move is something that took the business to the next level. Not only was it located on a premier corner of the Sutter Street, it also made it possible for visitors to actually watch all those chocolaty goodies being made.
The Snook family legacy began in 1963 when John and Jeanine Snook opened Country Candies in the Arden Food Circus.
“Producing our product on view to the public is in our business model to provide an experience. You don’t need to buy anything to walk away with the feeling that this was a unique place,” Jim explained. “That does bring its challenges, manufacturing in a prime retail location. We have much of the space dedicated to production which normally would be done in a more industrial location.”
Since the move, the Snooks have been very involved in Historic District, participating in countless community events year after year. Additionally, Jim has served on the board of the Folsom Historic District Association and is the current board president. It’s just one example of how he follows the family motto of working hard and being open for their community.
“Renee and I have always tried to bring vibrancy to the district. We always committed to regular hours 7 days a week. But our move to the current location in 2002 seemed to have spurred some much-needed attention to the Historic District. We can’t imagine a better place to be than where we are right now.”
Back in June of this year, the original “Candy Man” John Snook passed away at the age of 91. Up until is passing, John still visited the store almost daily, running errands or making a delivery. Sometimes he just enjoyed sitting on a bench or at a table and talking to folks, sharing stories and chatting.
Today, the business carries on with 3rd and fourth generations making confections on a daily basis using the lessons originally taught by John Snook and combining those early day techniques with innovation to be a continued success. The business is one of Folsom’s true gems, being that it turned 60 last year, it is undoubtedly a diamond that continues to shine in the community.