Sweet dreams come true

By: 
Ron Burtz

When Mary Lappe went to work keeping books for Custer County Candy Company several years ago she had no idea she would one day own the store. However, she and her husband Trapper have dreamed of owning their own business for years and recently that dream came true.
When the Lappes moved home to Custer (both are CHS graduates) eight years ago to raise their children, Mary went to work for former candy store owner Lee Lampert doing book work. Over the years since then she has gradually gotten more and more involved in the running of the business. So, when Lampert passed away last year it was an easy transition for Lappe to step into the role of store manager which she has been since fall.
“It was a natural fit, I guess, for me to kind of step in,” said Lappe.
When the business came up for sale this spring it also seemed like a natural for her to take on the title of owner as well. By that time she was familiar with all aspects of the business...all but the actual candy making part, however.
“I have to give kudos to Deb Davis,” said Lappe. “She has been my right hand gal in the kitchen. She worked with Lee for many, many years in the kitchen...without her I would have been lost.”
Lappe says Davis taught her how to make the candy, “and now I actually have two teenage daughters who are learning it as well.”
The Lappes are making the store a true family owned and operated business. Daughters Kaitlyn, a sophomore, and ninth grader Morgan are both working in the store along with several of their friends and even son Ethan, who recently graduated from U.S. Marines boot camp in San Diego, Calif., chipped in during a recent two-week leave.
“I made him come down to the store and help me out too,” said Lappe.
Lappe said she believes it’s important for Custer to have family owned and operated businesses such as hers and Horatio’s Ice Cream Parlor down the street.
While the Candy Company still makes its familiar handmade treats like fudge and truffles, Lappe is also trying some new things, one of which has been wildly popular this season.
“The most popular is the freeze dried candy,” said Lappe. “It’s crazy. I can barely keep it in stock.”
She said her daughters saw it on the internet (maybe on Tiktok) and suggested she give it a try. She’s glad she did because the sweet sensation is “flying out the door.”
Lappe said the candy starts with familiar treats like Skittles, gummy peach rings, taffy and Jolly Ranchers.
“They freeze dry them which makes them expand,” she said, “kind of blow up and they become light and airy.”
Lappe said while overall sales seem to be a little bit down from the last two tourist seasons she’s still seeing brisk traffic and surmises visitors just aren't spending as much this year. However, she said business does seem to have picked up a bit in the last two weeks.

 

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