[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING MARTINSVILLE CANDY KITCHEN OF MARTINSVILLE, IN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TODD C. YOUNG

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2015

  Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, mom-and-pop businesses are a vital 
part of local economies. Martinsville Candy Kitchen, located in 
Martinsville, Indiana, is a primary example of a small, family-owned 
business that has maintained a tradition of community involvement and 
devotion to making quality products. The Candy Kitchen not only 
influences the local economy but also serves as an important landmark 
in the Martinsville community.
  The Martinsville Candy Kitchen has been in operation since 1919, 
producing 16 flavors of candy canes and other sweet treats. Over 30,000 
candy canes are handmade in this shop every year. Considering that a 
batch takes more than 3 hours, we can understand the immensity of the 
task they take on each year. The owners of the business, Pam and John 
Badger, have been known to spend late nights in the kitchen working on 
large batches of candy canes. Therefore, I am proud to honor the 
Martinsville Candy Kitchen in this installment of the 9th District's 
``Hoosier Small Business Spotlight.''
  Following 95 years of business, the Martinsville Candy Kitchen 
continues to be a staple within the area in which it operates. People 
from all across Indiana visit the business to see candy canes being 
made during ``pour times,'' becoming a Christmas tradition for many 
families. In addition, the alleyway adjacent to the shop has been 
officially named ``Candy Cane Lane'' in recognition of the Candy 
Kitchen's presence in the community.
  The history of Martinsville Candy Kitchen begins with its founder, 
Jim Zapapas, who learned the candy trade in St. Louis before moving to 
Indianapolis in 1916. His business originated as a short-order 
restaurant, soda fountain, and candy shop two years later. Over time, 
the company has had several owners. In early 2004, Pam and John Badger 
bought the Candy Kitchen from Bob and Karen Boyce, who were on the 
verge of having to close the doors of their business. The Badgers 
decided to buy the company in order to keep the historic business as a 
living part of Martinsville. Balancing their time between working full-
time jobs and owning a business, they demonstrated their dedication to 
the community and the work ethic necessary to run a successful 
organization.
  The Badgers' devotion to their customers and to the quality of their 
products has sustained their company's legacy. Their efforts serve as a 
testimony to the longstanding success of their business. The Candy 
Kitchen has been a Martinsville attraction since opening over 95 years 
ago, and it will continue to be a significant landmark for years to 
come.

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