October 24, 2024 • 21 mins
Columbus has a new trail—the Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail! Join us as we chat with Nick Trifelos, Marketing Specialist at Anthony-Thomas Candy Co., one of the stops on Experience Columbus’ trail. What’s in Ohio’s iconic candy? What does the trail entail? Find out on this week’s episode.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Yes Columbus, an Experienced Columbus podcast, keeps you in the
know of what's happening in the Art City Columbus. The
number one soccer team, the number three Beer city, a
top ten culinary destination with the largest concentration of fashion
professionals in the US. Join us each week with special
guests for an inside look at a destination that invites
(00:23):
visitors and locals alike to explore. By the end of
each episode, you'll be asking yourself, can all of this
really exist in one city? Yes Columbus. Welcome back to
Yes Columbus. This is our brand new podcast, I'm Boxer
along with my co host Sarah from Experience Columbus. Sarah,
how you doing, I'm doing great?
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Excited about our third episode here of our new season
and the Yes Columbus Podcast Big Week this week.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
This week's episode is all about Ohio's iconic handy, the
buck Guy, one of our favorite topics.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
I'm staring at one right now. As a matter of fact,
i am too.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
But before we hop into this week's interview, let's chat
about the headlines. For any listeners who are new this season,
our headliner segment covers a recent story or accolade about Columbus.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Yeah, and I know we're talking about sweet treats today,
but I want to switch to something a little more
savory for a minute. So in honor of pasta Month,
Forbes recently named a Columbus restaurants pasta dish one of
like fifty seven irresistible pastas from restaurants worldwide. So any
guesses which restaurant made the list.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
I may have had a little bit of an insider
tip on this one, but it's one of my favorites.
It's Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Chento Boxer. I don't know if
you've been to Chento, but it is one of my
absolute favorites. Not only is every pasta made fresh and
absolutely delicious, I also will tell you they have the
best red basket in Columbus. Would that be according to
me according to Sarah Towne?
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Okay, Sarah, would that be your recommendation? Then? If for
those that haven't gone there, that's what you definitely should get.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Well, I think it comes with every you know, every
person that goes to the restaurant gets the bread.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
But right, but dishwise, dishwise?
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Sorry, Oh yeah, absolutely love it.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
Okay, gat to get a pasta. So now it's time
for Behind the Buzz segment. This is where we talk
with a special guest and learn about the newest restaurant opening,
the newest exhibition of one of Columbus's museums, attractions or galleries,
or of course the latest retail experience, festival or thing
to do. So today we're highlighting Experience Columbus's newest trail,
(02:37):
the Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail, and joining us is Nick Trifolis,
marketing specialist from Anthony Thomas Candy Company.
Speaker 3 (02:45):
Welcome, Nick, I'm so excited to be here. Great to
see you both today.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Good to see you as well. So Experience Columbus has
a variety of free fun trails for visitors and locals,
from the Columbus Distillery Trail to the Columbus Stale Pizza
Trail to the Columbus Coffee Trail. But our newest trail
is the Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail and it features seventeen
(03:10):
stops where you can enjoy delicious Buckeye treats and treats
inspired by buckeye, peanut, butter, and chocolate flavors. There's also
prizes for participation like a T shirt, a pen and
Beach candle, company candle, a Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail candle,
and more.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Oh that's amazing And by the way, what a fun
thing to do with the entire family this fall. I
love the different trails that you guys come up with.
Nick Anthony Thomas Candy is certainly one of the local
businesses that's featured on the new trail. You're not just
the marketing specialist there. You and the family go way back.
Fifth generation.
Speaker 3 (03:46):
Yes, I'm excited to say I am fifth generation. We've
been a Columbus staple for seventy two years now and
we're just proud to be a part of the community.
And this is such a fun treat trail because it's
perfect for all ages. This is one where really it
doesn't matter what you like or that age you are,
it's perfect for everyone. And we've already seen a lot
of people come and flood the stores because they're so
(04:07):
excited about this new trail in Columbus.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Well, that's amazing And it sounds like your life was
like growing up on the set of Willy Wonka. I mean,
was it truly like that. I mean, I bet you
have some stories to tell about your childhood years. Can
you tell us a couple of special memories?
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Of course, Yeah, it was very close to Willy Wonka.
We had to let all the oopaloopas go. They moved
on to bigger and better things now. But you know,
it was always so special being able to grow up
in a candy shop and see it from the ground up.
I always thought, growing up, oh my gosh, I can't
believe all my friends have nannies, because I'd go to
(04:48):
the candy shop and either sit at my mom's office
or I would sit on the lines on a stool
and pack boxes of candy as a little kid. So
it was just I have so many crazy stories from
the times when my cousins and I at big events
would like run through the factory when we weren't supposed to,
and just little things like that. But now growing up
as an adult and working with the business and being
(05:10):
there every day with my mother and grandfather, I truly
appreciate how special it is to have a family business
and what it means to be a part of the community.
And we have two hundred lives that we take care
of by supplying them jobs. And we're happy to say
this trail and the community and everything's helping us grow.
We're now having openings for sixty more positions.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Oh my goodness. Wow, that's amazing growth just in the
next year.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
So we just finished a twenty two thousand square foot
edition to our headquarters in Columbus. I say, Hilliard, it's
right on the cusp there. And with that we're going
to be putting out about thirty five percent more product
out each year and we will be able to add
sixty new jobs between now in the next three years.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Oh my gosh, that's phenomenal. Well, it's exciting there's such
demand for camping I know.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
No kidding. And Nick Triflis, of course is it's the
marketing specialist, fifth generation Anthony Thomas Candy Company. He's our
guest this week on our third episode of Yes Columbus.
This is something I always like to ask, especially from
with you being fitth generation Nick, How did your family
get this business, started this candy business? And are there
(06:18):
any other family members that are currently still working.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
So we are a family of Greek immigrants, and believe
it or not, when Greeks immigrated over about one hundred
years ago, the art of candy making was very popular.
Transportation was not like it is today, so you'd imagine
they'd come here. My relatives came over nineteen oh seven,
at eighteen years old. The story goes, with just a
few dollars in their pockets, and they were taught to
(06:42):
make candy from other Greeks. But as I mentioned, you
couldn't travel like you could today, So once you learned
how to make candy, they said, okay, set up your
own shop. Move two miles down the road so we
don't compete against each other.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Well it's not like that to day, two miles down
the road.
Speaker 3 (06:54):
So a lot of the candy companies that are around
were actually founded by Greeks, including several that are still
in a Io today. And we had been making candy
for over one hundred years, even though our business is
just seventy two years old. We had a few smaller
entrepreneurial companies you could say, throughout time where we always
sold homemade candy. But in nineteen fifty two a father
(07:17):
son team Anthony and Thomas, combined their two first names
and started the business we have here now, and it
really has been the heart of our family. I work
alongside my mother who's the vice president. Her name is Candy,
appropriately named, and my grandfather who's been working there for
fifty eight years.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Oh my goodness.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
So I'm fifth generation and we're planning on continuing the
business for as long as we possibly can. So there'll
be a lot more family members joining us and a
lot more generations to come, which is why we did
this expansion to set ourselves up for the next chapters.
So it's just a really really exciting time for us.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
Wow, what a special business, and to be in it
with your family and the history that you have that
is absolutely phenomenal. So, Nick, what makes the Anthony Thomas
Buckeye so special?
Speaker 3 (08:06):
You could say I have a little bit of a bias,
but I just love the piece. It is part of
my daily diet. I have at least two a day.
But ours is a little unique in the fact that
we use one hundred percent real milk chocolate. The majority
of buckeyes out there are a dark variation or a
dark compound. Ours is one hundred percent real milk chocolate.
Has a specialty double roasted peanut butter that is unique
(08:27):
solely to us. The double roasted peanut butter is inside
where there is a white chocolate cap on top. That
white chocolate cap creates it so the peanut butter is
completely encased and then you get full flavor in every bite.
But that white chocolate cap really creates like a shelf
stable piece where you can, you know, leave it in
your pantry for a week or so not have to
(08:48):
worry about the flavor changing. But you're gonna eat them
really fast. And we sell over fourteen million buck eyes
a year.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Oh my gosh, Wow, that's incredible, Nick. How long did
it take to perfect this buck guy the way it
is today? Did it take years? Was it? Was it
an overnight thing?
Speaker 3 (09:07):
You know, even though our business has been around for
several generations now the buckey has only been around for
us for twenty one years. So we didn't invent the buckeye,
but we do say we perfected it. So it took
a couple trial and airs and some taste testing. That's
a great part of our job as we're professional taste testers.
But it was really a quick process for us to
be able to bring the buckeye. We knew what we
wanted to do, we knew the idea we had and
(09:30):
we're just so excited. The community loves them and they're
perfect for more than just Ohio State fans. They're perfect
for everyone. Peanut, butter and chocolate is a winning combo,
and since ours is a multi byte piece, it has
a lot of purposes. I like to throw mine in
a cup of coffee, and I didn't.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
That's a great idea, man, insider tip, I know exactly.
Speaker 3 (09:50):
Wait until I tell you can throw it on ice cream.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Oh nah. But well, you know, you got some love
from food and wine, and of course we just talked
about the fact that you some more, which is just
mind boggling. You've sold more than fourteen million a year
on average. That's that's absolutely crazy. So my question is,
you know this is the number one selling item. You
(10:15):
know when it comes to are there popular times of
the year, I'm thinking maybe holidays. Is it Buckeye football season?
When are the most popular times of the season for
the tree to be sold?
Speaker 2 (10:24):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (10:24):
Yeah, the Buckeye football season outshines the rest of the year. Yeah,
we're fortunate. It's a long season. This year, we have
eight home Ohio State games. The more home games we have,
the better. The sales are as well. We may people
so excited and our individually wrapped piece is perfect for
tailgating because you take it, make sure you keep it
in the shade so it doesn't melt. But they are
(10:45):
just perfect for grabbing go and with Ohio State winning,
that's always better for us to so go Bucks absolutely.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
So tell us about how many locations you have in Columbus,
which you know, so can people if they're coming into
town for a tailgate for a game, they can, you know,
kind of pop in and get them or how do
they get the buck eyes and just your treats in general.
And then are there tours that people can take to
see the Buckeyes being made.
Speaker 3 (11:12):
We proudly have thirteen locations in almost every community around
central Columbus, so we're basically almost all within the two
seventy loop. But we have three of those locations on
the New Buckeye Treat Trail, so we spread them out
between ours to make sure it's accessible for everyone. But
our stores you can always expect to be greeted with
a friendly face, and if you can't make it into
a store, you can always shop our website at www
(11:35):
dot Anthony dash Thomas dot Com, visit us on Amazon,
or ask a friend to stop and get them for you.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Absolutely, and then what about tours?
Speaker 3 (11:43):
Oh, yes, I apologize. Tours are a huge part of
what we do. We have over thirty thousand people a
year come into our facility to tour to see what
we do. So when my grandfather designed and built the
facility where now, he had tours in mind. So we
have a third floor Glasston catwalk for people to get
a bird's eye view, and you really get a better
view than being directly right next to the lines. We
(12:05):
go up there sometimes to see if we can see
where a problem is or see if there's something that
we missed because you really walk right over the machines
and you get to see everything we are doing that day,
including making some candy for other companies. So it's kind
of a fun special treat to be able to get
an inside look of our factory and really see what
our daily operation is like. Without the community, we wouldn't
(12:26):
be here, so we wanted to make sure we can
tie them in as much as possible. I love that
we're so appreciative of them. Nick.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Not to sound selfish, but I love your candy. I
love your buck eyes. Do you give out free samples
with these tours.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
Yes, we do. We do give out free samples, and
your tour ticket is worth a coupon off a purchase
that day as well. So you get the majority of
your money back for the tour, and if you're a
certain agent under you get all of your money back.
For kids, you get all your money back for the tour.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
There is just no reason to not do a tour, agreed.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
And it's one thing to live in Columbus and to
go into any of the brick and mortars or other
retailers that sell it. But could do ship nationwide? How
far away do you ship to?
Speaker 3 (13:08):
Yes, we ship nationwide and we actually have our buck
guys that we know of in thirty seven states. Wow,
so that's what we know of. But as I said,
we do have a large Amazon presence. I'm sure you
can imagine Amazon's going crazy, especially with all the online
shoppers now. Yeah, so we are shipping nationwide and it's
it's really exciting to get, you know, the purchase from
(13:30):
Oregon or Maine and see that people love these products
all around.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
That is so cool. So obviously we've talked about the Buckeye.
But what are some of Anthony Thomas's other most popular
selling items. And you mentioned that you make some candies
for other companies. Are you able to talk about that.
Speaker 3 (13:49):
What I can say is the largest portion of our
business is making candy for other companies. Okay, a lot
of them are under an agreement.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
Okay, so maybe some of that they can't it our
Halloween basket.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
Or I can't tell you the names, but the rappers
and labels give nice hints, which that's why. It's a
great reason. So, but we're just proud to partner with
so many fantastic companies. And candy is a very, very
non competitive business, which is what I love. There's enough
sweet tools around in the world that there's enough market
(14:22):
share for everyone. The candy community is very tight knit
and close. We actually travel and go on vacations together,
local companies, larger companies who knew.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Well, I want to go in a candy vacation.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
Yeah, my grandparents have gone to like Brussels, Germany with
other large candy owners around the country. You think it's all,
you know, very telling people are secrets. It's this is
what we do. It's working out best. You should try it,
so it's really just it's a fun industry to be in.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
Nick, can I ask a nerdy business question, what what
in the candy industry? What are the profit margins? And
maybe it depends on the product hemoshere.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
It does depend on the project. I'm sure you've seen
now like the price of chocolate's going up of droughts
and Africa and different factors around the world. So prices
are going up. But to get back to more of
a fun topic instead of prices raising, our pieces you
asked about that are more popular than others. It's the
peacon danis the English toffeeli our butter creams. Our butter
(15:21):
creams are one of our oldest recipes. But some of
my favorite pieces are some of the less known pieces.
I love the dark chocolate citrus peel. I think it
is delicious. It's such a unique piece. And the gram crackers,
the chocolate covered I actually love them.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
I love them chocolate covered gram crackers.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Love them my favorite.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
If you put them in the microwave for just two seconds,
you wouldn't believe how good they are.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Same with the marshmallow, Nick, I think we need to
put some of these Anthony Thomas tips on our blog.
I am I am so hungry. I want chocolate right now,
sweet treats all day, every day. Amazing.
Speaker 3 (15:58):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (15:58):
You know, so we we talked about the Buckeye specifically,
we talked touched on some other pieces. Sure, the holidays
are a big time for you, Nick, but the busiest
candy bine seasons and all and any fun stats to
share about.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
Those, believe it or not. And I always find this
so funny. Our busiest day is always Valentine's Day. We're
open on Valentine's Day and it just goes to show
those last minute shoppers, those husbands that are out last minute,
Oh my gosh, today's the fourteenth. They can rely that
we are open and we'll always have fresh chocolate covered
strawberries and all the different kinds of chocolates you want
on that day. But Valentine sells out the other days.
(16:33):
Tenfold Boxer.
Speaker 1 (16:35):
That's a good tip for you, very good tip for me.
That's good to know. Thanks Nick.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
There's never an excuse not to have a beautiful piece
of chocolate from Anthony Thomas on Valentine's Day, So Nick,
Our next segment is called Columbus Classics. This podcast is
all about uncovering what's new, but we also love the
tried and true places and experiences in Columbus. Can you
tell us about a classic Columbus experience you It could
(17:00):
be a neighborhood, a restaurant, or anything you love to
do when you're not making chocolate.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
Well, I'll tell you. I love getting out and about
in Columbus. I love this city. My friends always joke
that I'm going to be the mayor one day because
I'm always advocating for it, telling people they need to
move here. It is such a wonderful place to be.
One of my favorite areas of town is actually the
main street of Bexley.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
Oh, agreed, agreed.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
I just love the feeling of walking around there and
you know, getting a scoop from Greater's ice Cream and
then going into local Rabino's Pizza, seeing some of the
local places there. I just love that strip in the feeling.
It's a little bit it's a little bit outside of
the main city, but it is a perfect destination for
just a midday trip and easily accessible and has things
(17:46):
for everyone. But you know, Columbus is growing at rapid
speed and there's really no parts of town that you
can go wrong with with Dublin Bridge Park like it is,
and you know, but sometimes I do enjoy the quieter
places as well, such as some of our beautiful park
that we have. I love High Banks Metro Park and
a favorite of mine is Shiller Park in German.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
We have so many coaces, we really do, we really do.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
And by the way that Main Street area and Bexley,
it's to me, it's it's almost like a time capsule.
Yes you have newer buildings in there, but it's it's
like a it's it stands the test of time.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
I think it does, and the communities worked so hard
to preserve it that way. And with that beautiful Drexel Theater,
you really do step back time. I mean, there's no
better theater watching experience in Columbus. But as I said,
I just think we're so fortunate to have this wonderful
city to call home, and it really is a great
place for everyone. With all the food, the camera Mitchell restaurants,
(18:45):
everything that's around town. I mean, it's just I think
it's the place to be.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
Well we think so too, certainly are blessed, Okay, Sarah.
Before we close out today's episode, and this has been
such a treat. No pun attended.
Speaker 3 (18:57):
Neck.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
But we we have one more segment, and I want
you and Nick to answer. It's what are you saying
yes to in Columbus this weekend or maybe during the
fall season, you guys, so ladies for Sarah, why don't
we start with you.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
I am saying yes to apple orchards. I love Linz
for instance, and I'm going this weekend. I love apple
orchards and pumpkin patches, and I love fall. It's, you know,
like many others, one of my most favorite times of year.
So I'm really excited to get some fresh apples and then.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
All the treats go.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
Maybe maybe not chocolate, maybe caramel, but all the treats
that we can make with those.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
I love Linz du Nick. How about you?
Speaker 3 (19:39):
You know, I'm saying yes to over decorating this year.
Over decorating. I just think it creates such a fun
experience and it makes you feel joy to have all
that around. And I remember growing up in a household
where we always decorated for the holidays. So this year
I'm saying yes to, you know, just going to the
Nines with decorations and visiting some of those local shops
around town to maybe buy an extra ornament or two
(20:02):
so that way I can make my house feel special
for the holidays.
Speaker 2 (20:05):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
I like that. Well, Nick, this has been such a
just an awesome experience to get to finally meet you.
And on a side note, you know, we do a
lot of charity work, whether it's some of the events
that I create or through iHeartMedia, and I just want
to say thank you. You've always been there to donate
something that we can put in a basket. The charity side,
(20:26):
your philanthropy side is just like no other, and I
just want to say thank you for being so giving.
Speaker 3 (20:31):
Well, I appreciate that. When I joined the business about
five years ago, philanthropy was something I really wanted to
continue building on. We've always done it, but you should
always give back the people give to you. You need
to give back to the community. And it feels nice
to be recognized for it. But there's so many deserving
causes around here. I wish we could do even more.
Speaker 1 (20:49):
Of course, Well, we really appreciate you. And to those
that are listening to the podcast, make sure to grab
some buck guys by the way website again real quick.
Speaker 3 (20:57):
It's www dot Anthony hyphen Thomas dot com.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
Perfect Anthony Thomas Candy Company, fifth generation member. It's Nick
triflis Nix. Thanks for your time and thanks for joining
us on Yes Columbus.
Speaker 3 (21:10):
Well, thank you Boxer, Thank you Sarah. This has been
absolutely amazing.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (21:14):
That's a wrap on this week's episode of Yes Columbus
and Experience Columbus Podcast. Tune in next week as we
take you on a tour of what's new, what's hot,
and what makes Columbus a city on the rise.
Yes Columbus, an Experienced Columbus podcast, keeps you in the
know of what's happening in the Art City Columbus. The
number one soccer team, the number three Beer city, a
top ten culinary destination with the largest concentration of fashion
professionals in the US. Join us each week with special
guests for an inside look at a destination that invites
(00:23):
visitors and locals alike to explore. By the end of
each episode, you'll be asking yourself, can all of this
really exist in one city? Yes Columbus. Welcome back to
Yes Columbus. This is our brand new podcast, I'm Boxer
along with my co host Sarah from Experience Columbus. Sarah,
how you doing, I'm doing great?
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Excited about our third episode here of our new season
and the Yes Columbus Podcast Big Week this week.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
This week's episode is all about Ohio's iconic handy, the
buck Guy, one of our favorite topics.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
I'm staring at one right now. As a matter of fact,
i am too.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
But before we hop into this week's interview, let's chat
about the headlines. For any listeners who are new this season,
our headliner segment covers a recent story or accolade about Columbus.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Yeah, and I know we're talking about sweet treats today,
but I want to switch to something a little more
savory for a minute. So in honor of pasta Month,
Forbes recently named a Columbus restaurants pasta dish one of
like fifty seven irresistible pastas from restaurants worldwide. So any
guesses which restaurant made the list.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
I may have had a little bit of an insider
tip on this one, but it's one of my favorites.
It's Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Chento Boxer. I don't know if
you've been to Chento, but it is one of my
absolute favorites. Not only is every pasta made fresh and
absolutely delicious, I also will tell you they have the
best red basket in Columbus. Would that be according to
me according to Sarah Towne?
Speaker 1 (02:00):
Okay, Sarah, would that be your recommendation? Then? If for
those that haven't gone there, that's what you definitely should get.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Well, I think it comes with every you know, every
person that goes to the restaurant gets the bread.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
But right, but dishwise, dishwise?
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Sorry, Oh yeah, absolutely love it.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
Okay, gat to get a pasta. So now it's time
for Behind the Buzz segment. This is where we talk
with a special guest and learn about the newest restaurant opening,
the newest exhibition of one of Columbus's museums, attractions or galleries,
or of course the latest retail experience, festival or thing
to do. So today we're highlighting Experience Columbus's newest trail,
(02:37):
the Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail, and joining us is Nick Trifolis,
marketing specialist from Anthony Thomas Candy Company.
Speaker 3 (02:45):
Welcome, Nick, I'm so excited to be here. Great to
see you both today.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Good to see you as well. So Experience Columbus has
a variety of free fun trails for visitors and locals,
from the Columbus Distillery Trail to the Columbus Stale Pizza
Trail to the Columbus Coffee Trail. But our newest trail
is the Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail and it features seventeen
(03:10):
stops where you can enjoy delicious Buckeye treats and treats
inspired by buckeye, peanut, butter, and chocolate flavors. There's also
prizes for participation like a T shirt, a pen and
Beach candle, company candle, a Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail candle,
and more.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Oh that's amazing And by the way, what a fun
thing to do with the entire family this fall. I
love the different trails that you guys come up with.
Nick Anthony Thomas Candy is certainly one of the local
businesses that's featured on the new trail. You're not just
the marketing specialist there. You and the family go way back.
Fifth generation.
Speaker 3 (03:46):
Yes, I'm excited to say I am fifth generation. We've
been a Columbus staple for seventy two years now and
we're just proud to be a part of the community.
And this is such a fun treat trail because it's
perfect for all ages. This is one where really it
doesn't matter what you like or that age you are,
it's perfect for everyone. And we've already seen a lot
of people come and flood the stores because they're so
(04:07):
excited about this new trail in Columbus.
Speaker 2 (04:11):
Well, that's amazing And it sounds like your life was
like growing up on the set of Willy Wonka. I mean,
was it truly like that. I mean, I bet you
have some stories to tell about your childhood years. Can
you tell us a couple of special memories?
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Of course, Yeah, it was very close to Willy Wonka.
We had to let all the oopaloopas go. They moved
on to bigger and better things now. But you know,
it was always so special being able to grow up
in a candy shop and see it from the ground up.
I always thought, growing up, oh my gosh, I can't
believe all my friends have nannies, because I'd go to
(04:48):
the candy shop and either sit at my mom's office
or I would sit on the lines on a stool
and pack boxes of candy as a little kid. So
it was just I have so many crazy stories from
the times when my cousins and I at big events
would like run through the factory when we weren't supposed to,
and just little things like that. But now growing up
as an adult and working with the business and being
(05:10):
there every day with my mother and grandfather, I truly
appreciate how special it is to have a family business
and what it means to be a part of the community.
And we have two hundred lives that we take care
of by supplying them jobs. And we're happy to say
this trail and the community and everything's helping us grow.
We're now having openings for sixty more positions.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Oh my goodness. Wow, that's amazing growth just in the
next year.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
So we just finished a twenty two thousand square foot
edition to our headquarters in Columbus. I say, Hilliard, it's
right on the cusp there. And with that we're going
to be putting out about thirty five percent more product
out each year and we will be able to add
sixty new jobs between now in the next three years.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
Oh my gosh, that's phenomenal. Well, it's exciting there's such
demand for camping I know.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
No kidding. And Nick Triflis, of course is it's the
marketing specialist, fifth generation Anthony Thomas Candy Company. He's our
guest this week on our third episode of Yes Columbus.
This is something I always like to ask, especially from
with you being fitth generation Nick, How did your family
get this business, started this candy business? And are there
(06:18):
any other family members that are currently still working.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
So we are a family of Greek immigrants, and believe
it or not, when Greeks immigrated over about one hundred
years ago, the art of candy making was very popular.
Transportation was not like it is today, so you'd imagine
they'd come here. My relatives came over nineteen oh seven,
at eighteen years old. The story goes, with just a
few dollars in their pockets, and they were taught to
(06:42):
make candy from other Greeks. But as I mentioned, you
couldn't travel like you could today, So once you learned
how to make candy, they said, okay, set up your
own shop. Move two miles down the road so we
don't compete against each other.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Well it's not like that to day, two miles down
the road.
Speaker 3 (06:54):
So a lot of the candy companies that are around
were actually founded by Greeks, including several that are still
in a Io today. And we had been making candy
for over one hundred years, even though our business is
just seventy two years old. We had a few smaller
entrepreneurial companies you could say, throughout time where we always
sold homemade candy. But in nineteen fifty two a father
(07:17):
son team Anthony and Thomas, combined their two first names
and started the business we have here now, and it
really has been the heart of our family. I work
alongside my mother who's the vice president. Her name is Candy,
appropriately named, and my grandfather who's been working there for
fifty eight years.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Oh my goodness.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
So I'm fifth generation and we're planning on continuing the
business for as long as we possibly can. So there'll
be a lot more family members joining us and a
lot more generations to come, which is why we did
this expansion to set ourselves up for the next chapters.
So it's just a really really exciting time for us.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
Wow, what a special business, and to be in it
with your family and the history that you have that
is absolutely phenomenal. So, Nick, what makes the Anthony Thomas
Buckeye so special?
Speaker 3 (08:06):
You could say I have a little bit of a bias,
but I just love the piece. It is part of
my daily diet. I have at least two a day.
But ours is a little unique in the fact that
we use one hundred percent real milk chocolate. The majority
of buckeyes out there are a dark variation or a
dark compound. Ours is one hundred percent real milk chocolate.
Has a specialty double roasted peanut butter that is unique
(08:27):
solely to us. The double roasted peanut butter is inside
where there is a white chocolate cap on top. That
white chocolate cap creates it so the peanut butter is
completely encased and then you get full flavor in every bite.
But that white chocolate cap really creates like a shelf
stable piece where you can, you know, leave it in
your pantry for a week or so not have to
(08:48):
worry about the flavor changing. But you're gonna eat them
really fast. And we sell over fourteen million buck eyes
a year.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Oh my gosh, Wow, that's incredible, Nick. How long did
it take to perfect this buck guy the way it
is today? Did it take years? Was it? Was it
an overnight thing?
Speaker 3 (09:07):
You know, even though our business has been around for
several generations now the buckey has only been around for
us for twenty one years. So we didn't invent the buckeye,
but we do say we perfected it. So it took
a couple trial and airs and some taste testing. That's
a great part of our job as we're professional taste testers.
But it was really a quick process for us to
be able to bring the buckeye. We knew what we
wanted to do, we knew the idea we had and
(09:30):
we're just so excited. The community loves them and they're
perfect for more than just Ohio State fans. They're perfect
for everyone. Peanut, butter and chocolate is a winning combo,
and since ours is a multi byte piece, it has
a lot of purposes. I like to throw mine in
a cup of coffee, and I didn't.
Speaker 2 (09:47):
That's a great idea, man, insider tip, I know exactly.
Speaker 3 (09:50):
Wait until I tell you can throw it on ice cream.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Oh nah. But well, you know, you got some love
from food and wine, and of course we just talked
about the fact that you some more, which is just
mind boggling. You've sold more than fourteen million a year
on average. That's that's absolutely crazy. So my question is,
you know this is the number one selling item. You
(10:15):
know when it comes to are there popular times of
the year, I'm thinking maybe holidays. Is it Buckeye football season?
When are the most popular times of the season for
the tree to be sold?
Speaker 2 (10:24):
Oh?
Speaker 3 (10:24):
Yeah, the Buckeye football season outshines the rest of the year. Yeah,
we're fortunate. It's a long season. This year, we have
eight home Ohio State games. The more home games we have,
the better. The sales are as well. We may people
so excited and our individually wrapped piece is perfect for
tailgating because you take it, make sure you keep it
in the shade so it doesn't melt. But they are
(10:45):
just perfect for grabbing go and with Ohio State winning,
that's always better for us to so go Bucks absolutely.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
So tell us about how many locations you have in Columbus,
which you know, so can people if they're coming into
town for a tailgate for a game, they can, you know,
kind of pop in and get them or how do
they get the buck eyes and just your treats in general.
And then are there tours that people can take to
see the Buckeyes being made.
Speaker 3 (11:12):
We proudly have thirteen locations in almost every community around
central Columbus, so we're basically almost all within the two
seventy loop. But we have three of those locations on
the New Buckeye Treat Trail, so we spread them out
between ours to make sure it's accessible for everyone. But
our stores you can always expect to be greeted with
a friendly face, and if you can't make it into
a store, you can always shop our website at www
(11:35):
dot Anthony dash Thomas dot Com, visit us on Amazon,
or ask a friend to stop and get them for you.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Absolutely, and then what about tours?
Speaker 3 (11:43):
Oh, yes, I apologize. Tours are a huge part of
what we do. We have over thirty thousand people a
year come into our facility to tour to see what
we do. So when my grandfather designed and built the
facility where now, he had tours in mind. So we
have a third floor Glasston catwalk for people to get
a bird's eye view, and you really get a better
view than being directly right next to the lines. We
(12:05):
go up there sometimes to see if we can see
where a problem is or see if there's something that
we missed because you really walk right over the machines
and you get to see everything we are doing that day,
including making some candy for other companies. So it's kind
of a fun special treat to be able to get
an inside look of our factory and really see what
our daily operation is like. Without the community, we wouldn't
(12:26):
be here, so we wanted to make sure we can
tie them in as much as possible. I love that
we're so appreciative of them. Nick.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Not to sound selfish, but I love your candy. I
love your buck eyes. Do you give out free samples
with these tours.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
Yes, we do. We do give out free samples, and
your tour ticket is worth a coupon off a purchase
that day as well. So you get the majority of
your money back for the tour, and if you're a
certain agent under you get all of your money back.
For kids, you get all your money back for the tour.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
There is just no reason to not do a tour, agreed.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
And it's one thing to live in Columbus and to
go into any of the brick and mortars or other
retailers that sell it. But could do ship nationwide? How
far away do you ship to?
Speaker 3 (13:08):
Yes, we ship nationwide and we actually have our buck
guys that we know of in thirty seven states. Wow,
so that's what we know of. But as I said,
we do have a large Amazon presence. I'm sure you
can imagine Amazon's going crazy, especially with all the online
shoppers now. Yeah, so we are shipping nationwide and it's
it's really exciting to get, you know, the purchase from
(13:30):
Oregon or Maine and see that people love these products
all around.
Speaker 2 (13:34):
That is so cool. So obviously we've talked about the Buckeye.
But what are some of Anthony Thomas's other most popular
selling items. And you mentioned that you make some candies
for other companies. Are you able to talk about that.
Speaker 3 (13:49):
What I can say is the largest portion of our
business is making candy for other companies. Okay, a lot
of them are under an agreement.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
Okay, so maybe some of that they can't it our
Halloween basket.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
Or I can't tell you the names, but the rappers
and labels give nice hints, which that's why. It's a
great reason. So, but we're just proud to partner with
so many fantastic companies. And candy is a very, very
non competitive business, which is what I love. There's enough
sweet tools around in the world that there's enough market
(14:22):
share for everyone. The candy community is very tight knit
and close. We actually travel and go on vacations together,
local companies, larger companies who knew.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Well, I want to go in a candy vacation.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
Yeah, my grandparents have gone to like Brussels, Germany with
other large candy owners around the country. You think it's all,
you know, very telling people are secrets. It's this is
what we do. It's working out best. You should try it,
so it's really just it's a fun industry to be in.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
Nick, can I ask a nerdy business question, what what
in the candy industry? What are the profit margins? And
maybe it depends on the product hemoshere.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
It does depend on the project. I'm sure you've seen
now like the price of chocolate's going up of droughts
and Africa and different factors around the world. So prices
are going up. But to get back to more of
a fun topic instead of prices raising, our pieces you
asked about that are more popular than others. It's the
peacon danis the English toffeeli our butter creams. Our butter
(15:21):
creams are one of our oldest recipes. But some of
my favorite pieces are some of the less known pieces.
I love the dark chocolate citrus peel. I think it
is delicious. It's such a unique piece. And the gram crackers,
the chocolate covered I actually love them.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
I love them chocolate covered gram crackers.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Love them my favorite.
Speaker 3 (15:41):
If you put them in the microwave for just two seconds,
you wouldn't believe how good they are.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Same with the marshmallow, Nick, I think we need to
put some of these Anthony Thomas tips on our blog.
I am I am so hungry. I want chocolate right now,
sweet treats all day, every day. Amazing.
Speaker 3 (15:58):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (15:58):
You know, so we we talked about the Buckeye specifically,
we talked touched on some other pieces. Sure, the holidays
are a big time for you, Nick, but the busiest
candy bine seasons and all and any fun stats to
share about.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
Those, believe it or not. And I always find this
so funny. Our busiest day is always Valentine's Day. We're
open on Valentine's Day and it just goes to show
those last minute shoppers, those husbands that are out last minute,
Oh my gosh, today's the fourteenth. They can rely that
we are open and we'll always have fresh chocolate covered
strawberries and all the different kinds of chocolates you want
on that day. But Valentine sells out the other days.
(16:33):
Tenfold Boxer.
Speaker 1 (16:35):
That's a good tip for you, very good tip for me.
That's good to know. Thanks Nick.
Speaker 2 (16:38):
There's never an excuse not to have a beautiful piece
of chocolate from Anthony Thomas on Valentine's Day, So Nick,
Our next segment is called Columbus Classics. This podcast is
all about uncovering what's new, but we also love the
tried and true places and experiences in Columbus. Can you
tell us about a classic Columbus experience you It could
(17:00):
be a neighborhood, a restaurant, or anything you love to
do when you're not making chocolate.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
Well, I'll tell you. I love getting out and about
in Columbus. I love this city. My friends always joke
that I'm going to be the mayor one day because
I'm always advocating for it, telling people they need to
move here. It is such a wonderful place to be.
One of my favorite areas of town is actually the
main street of Bexley.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
Oh, agreed, agreed.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
I just love the feeling of walking around there and
you know, getting a scoop from Greater's ice Cream and
then going into local Rabino's Pizza, seeing some of the
local places there. I just love that strip in the feeling.
It's a little bit it's a little bit outside of
the main city, but it is a perfect destination for
just a midday trip and easily accessible and has things
(17:46):
for everyone. But you know, Columbus is growing at rapid
speed and there's really no parts of town that you
can go wrong with with Dublin Bridge Park like it is,
and you know, but sometimes I do enjoy the quieter
places as well, such as some of our beautiful park
that we have. I love High Banks Metro Park and
a favorite of mine is Shiller Park in German.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
We have so many coaces, we really do, we really do.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
And by the way that Main Street area and Bexley,
it's to me, it's it's almost like a time capsule.
Yes you have newer buildings in there, but it's it's
like a it's it stands the test of time.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
I think it does, and the communities worked so hard
to preserve it that way. And with that beautiful Drexel Theater,
you really do step back time. I mean, there's no
better theater watching experience in Columbus. But as I said,
I just think we're so fortunate to have this wonderful
city to call home, and it really is a great
place for everyone. With all the food, the camera Mitchell restaurants,
(18:45):
everything that's around town. I mean, it's just I think
it's the place to be.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
Well we think so too, certainly are blessed, Okay, Sarah.
Before we close out today's episode, and this has been
such a treat. No pun attended.
Speaker 3 (18:57):
Neck.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
But we we have one more segment, and I want
you and Nick to answer. It's what are you saying
yes to in Columbus this weekend or maybe during the
fall season, you guys, so ladies for Sarah, why don't
we start with you.
Speaker 2 (19:11):
I am saying yes to apple orchards. I love Linz
for instance, and I'm going this weekend. I love apple
orchards and pumpkin patches, and I love fall. It's, you know,
like many others, one of my most favorite times of year.
So I'm really excited to get some fresh apples and then.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
All the treats go.
Speaker 2 (19:33):
Maybe maybe not chocolate, maybe caramel, but all the treats
that we can make with those.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
I love Linz du Nick. How about you?
Speaker 3 (19:39):
You know, I'm saying yes to over decorating this year.
Over decorating. I just think it creates such a fun
experience and it makes you feel joy to have all
that around. And I remember growing up in a household
where we always decorated for the holidays. So this year
I'm saying yes to, you know, just going to the
Nines with decorations and visiting some of those local shops
around town to maybe buy an extra ornament or two
(20:02):
so that way I can make my house feel special
for the holidays.
Speaker 2 (20:05):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
I like that. Well, Nick, this has been such a
just an awesome experience to get to finally meet you.
And on a side note, you know, we do a
lot of charity work, whether it's some of the events
that I create or through iHeartMedia, and I just want
to say thank you. You've always been there to donate
something that we can put in a basket. The charity side,
(20:26):
your philanthropy side is just like no other, and I
just want to say thank you for being so giving.
Speaker 3 (20:31):
Well, I appreciate that. When I joined the business about
five years ago, philanthropy was something I really wanted to
continue building on. We've always done it, but you should
always give back the people give to you. You need
to give back to the community. And it feels nice
to be recognized for it. But there's so many deserving
causes around here. I wish we could do even more.
Speaker 1 (20:49):
Of course, Well, we really appreciate you. And to those
that are listening to the podcast, make sure to grab
some buck guys by the way website again real quick.
Speaker 3 (20:57):
It's www dot Anthony hyphen Thomas dot com.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
Perfect Anthony Thomas Candy Company, fifth generation member. It's Nick
triflis Nix. Thanks for your time and thanks for joining
us on Yes Columbus.
Speaker 3 (21:10):
Well, thank you Boxer, Thank you Sarah. This has been
absolutely amazing.
Speaker 2 (21:13):
Thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (21:14):
That's a wrap on this week's episode of Yes Columbus
and Experience Columbus Podcast. Tune in next week as we
take you on a tour of what's new, what's hot,
and what makes Columbus a city on the rise.
Popular Podcasts
40s and Free Agents: NFL Draft Season
Daniel Jeremiah of Move the Sticks and Gregg Rosenthal of NFL Daily join forces to break down every team's needs this offseason.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Bobby Bones Show
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.