King Leo Confections
By Amber Ward

Since 1901 King Leo has been serving up America with pure peppermint candy. Submitted Photo

King Leo is the symbol of a century-old tradition.

Founded in 1901, King Leo first became famous for its delicious peppermint sticks. Since then, King Leo has added cinnamon sticks, truffles, fudge, salt water taffy, English toffee and of course, its famous Chocolate Peppermint Bark to its line of scrumptious candies and chocolates.

The Quality Candy Co., the parent company of King Leo, is owned by Pierre and Laurie Redmond. King Leo is managed by Charlie Redmond. All of King Leo's products are handcrafted, and its stick candy is still made with pure peppermint oil, using the original 1901 recipe.

King Leo's most recent, famous treat is its Chocolate Peppermint Bark. Made in Julian for the last three years, it has earned recognition as one of the three finalists for the "Outstanding New Confection of 2002" from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT).

The King Leo store in Wynola features handmade candy making. Guests are encouraged to take self-guided tours, and to sample tasty treats. Don't miss the fresh fudge that is made with real, sweet cream butter in a variety of flavors like apple pie fudge and chocolate chip.

Try hand-dipped chocolate apricots, strawberries, pretzels and chocolate caramel apples. Or warm your tummy at the Coffee Bar with some real "Hot Drinking Chocolate" made with Belgium chocolate and a touch of peppermint.

King Leo also offers "Chocolate Pizza Parties" and a chance to build and decorate your own "Chocolate House" for birthdays, families and groups. Be sure to call in advance, and make reservations.

King Leo Confections is located at 4510 Highway 78 in Wynola. Stores hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; and10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, or workshop reservations call 760-765-2264.