Buddy Squirrel Chocolate, Nuts & Popcorn — Attraction in Saint Francis

Double Dipped Peanuts: Buddy Squirrel began under the name Quality Candy in St. Francis WI over 100 years ago in 1916. Since then the family owned company has been providing fine chocolates, gourmet nuts, and confectionary snacks to the mid-west. I've loved their chocolate since the time I was a little Doughboy. Although their sweets are available year-round the chocolates have always been reserved for the Christmas season in my family.

This is actually the first time I've tried the double dipped peanuts as the shop did not have my usual Christmas treats in stock (side-effect of the pandemic?). The candy is comprised of an individual peanut dipped in Quality Candy's delicious milk chocolate. I found the sweetness of the chocolate to contrast beautifully with the saltiness of the peanut. Now, I do prefer their peanut butter filled chocolates because I like a creamy center, but these were a worthy substitute. Doughboy...

I was so disappointed with the store. Everything is prepackaged and VERY expensive. Long gone are the counters where you could purchase a quarter pound of cashews and a few pieces of your favorite candy. The selection was very limited. I bought a small, half pound box of assorted milk chocolate candies, which was $16.95. I couldn't open the box to see what was in it or if they were broken because it was sealed and I would have damaged the box (it was a gift). I also bought an 8oz can of mixed nuts, which were $12.95 (also a gift). I will gladly go to an independently owned small candy...

Not what it once was.

Selection at this location continues to be cut back as Quality Candy closes customer retail in favor of Swiss Colony etc. catalog sales.

They no longer, and have not for quite a while, stocked long term favorites like dark chocolate covered orange peel and popcorn balls.

Free samples are a thing of the past.

The friendly staff is gone, replaced by a snarly retail experience.

The store "renovation" is absolutely ugly.

Last time we visited they were closed, even though we were there more than 2 hours before normal closing time.

From a long term...