WILTON, Iowa (KWQC) – One of Iowa’s oldest and most cherished businesses is once again making headlines. The Wilton Candy Kitchen, a beloved establishment in Wilton, Iowa, has been nominated once again for USA Today’s Best Candy Store in America.

“There’s a lot of people that walk through our doors who’ve never experienced a soda Fountain before. And that’s fun to show them what this is about,” said Lynn Ochiltree, Owner of Wilton Candy Kitchen.

Wilton Candy Kitchen is more than just a candy store. It’s a living piece of history.

“Our history goes back to 1860. When there was a confectionery in this business started by R.A. McIntyre, a Wilton pioneer. And that continued through and then of soda fountain was put in in the 1880s. And so we continue a long line of history, about 164 years,” said Ochiltree.

“It was reopened by a Greek immigrant Gus Nopoulos who came to the United States a couple of years before he came to Wilton about 1909. And from there, it continued through the Nopoulos family to generations until my wife and I took over the store in 2015.”

From the vintage décor to the classic soda fountain, stepping into Wilton Candy Kitchen is like taking a step back in time. Ochiltree shared some of the secrets to the business’s longevity.

“We see a lot of people from all over the world all over the country all over Iowa. And we always teach the young people that work here that they, they need to know that this is maybe the only thing anyone will ever know about a soda fountain or Wilton. And that we really are ambassadors. We’re ambassadors to our community, we’re ambassadors to an old fashioned type of business that’s been gone. We’re kind of a throwback to a time when service meant something. And part of that service means caring for our customers.”

This year, the store has been nominated once again for USA Today’s Best Candy Store in America.

“Last year, we were included as top one of the top 10 voting for candy stores in the nation. There were 20 nominated in that piece, and we ended up getting third out of the 10, and it’s just really cool to be nominated again, and to have the recognition, whether we end up first or last,” said Ochiltree.

The nomination is not just a testament to the delicious treats served here but also to the rich history and the community’s unwavering support.

“It really is the heartbeat of our business. our local community that have been walking through that door for eight generations, giving us their business and having their young children smile at the counter and enjoy a sweet treat,” said Ochiltree.

“We started a nonprofit five years ago to build a museum next to Wilton Candy Kitchen. It’ll highlight our county’s history and community.”

According to Ochiltree, the summer season brings in upwards of 300 visitors daily, drawing people from New York to Los Angeles. Impressively, 60% of their business comes from outside Iowa, contributing to an annual footfall of approximately 35,000 guests.

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