Meet the Makers: Uncle Leroy’s Candy Kitchen

Some stories are sweet from the very beginning. Uncle Leroy's Candy Kitchen is one of them.

The business was founded in July 2012 by Don Leroy Lennon — known to everyone as Uncle Leroy — a man with over 50 years of candy and confections experience under his belt. With a deep knowledge of the craft and a belief that high quality and homemade go hand in hand, Uncle Leroy built something that was always meant to be passed down.

And it was.

A Family Tradition, Carried Forward

At the start of 2024, three of Uncle Leroy's children — Alex, Travis, and Nicole — took the reins of the family business, bringing with them more than 50 years of combined experience. Their mom, who has been working with sweets and treats for nearly 30 years, has been an equally important part of the family's candy-making legacy, passing down her own wonderful teachings along the way.

Every recipe in the kitchen is a family secret, handed down from Uncle Leroy himself. Nothing is outsourced, nothing is rushed, and nothing gets made without that same commitment to quality that has defined the Lennon family's approach to candy-making from the very start.

"We are so blessed to have the opportunity to continue our family's tradition and are excited to share our passion with you," Alex, Travis, and Nicole share. "We would be nothing without the constant support of those who love our product."

The Candy

Fudge is where Uncle Leroy's Candy Kitchen truly shines. With nine core flavors — think rich Double Chocolate, creamy Maple Pecan, and indulgent Caramel Pecan — plus a rotating lineup of seasonal flavors like Pumpkin in the fall and Peppermint Crunch in December, there is always something new to look forward to. Every slice is made from scratch using the family's closely guarded recipes, and it shows in every bite.

Beyond the fudge, the selection at Uncle Leroy's is impressive by any measure. Their brittle line spans everything from classic Peanut and Cashew to more unexpected flavors like Sweet and Spicy Peanut, Bacon, and Coffee Bean. Soft caramels come in six flavors including Classic, Coconut, Raspberry, and Sea Salt. And the scratch-made cookies, hand-dipped marshmallows, caramel patties, caramel corn, caramel apples, and cinnamon glazed nuts round out a lineup that genuinely has something for everyone.

The siblings aren't stopping there either. Since taking over, Alex, Travis, and Nicole have already expanded the caramel and brittle lines with new flavors, and they have every intention of continuing to grow and surprise their customers with new creations.

Find Them at Fresh Market

Uncle Leroy's Candy Kitchen can be found right here at Hershey Fresh Market, where the Lennon family brings their homemade confections to customers who appreciate the real thing. Whether you're treating yourself or picking up something special for someone you love, there is truly something for everyone.

Stop by, say hello to Alex, Travis, or Nicole, and taste the tradition for yourself.