The Taffy Shop
In the heart of Estes Park, Colorado, sits The Taffy Shop, a quaint 117 square foot facility that has been a cornerstone of the community for generations.
Established in 1935 by the Slack family, this small business time capsule has become the quintessential taffy maker for thousands of loyal customers. Their mouth-watering recipe stands the test of time and has always been kept in a safe-deposit box.
Over the years, there were many suitors to purchase the business, but one interested buyer, Mark Igel, took a different approach. In 2014, he wrote a letter to the owner, Lavona Slack, who was ready to retire. Just three months later he had the keys, thanks to B:Side Capital in partnership with Bank of Colorado who utilized an SBA 504 loan to purchase the building. Since the business acquisition, he has modernized the 124-year old building just enough to make it more efficient while preserving the nostalgic charm that made it special. Under Mark’s care, The Taffy Shop continues to be a family-owned operation with his seven children playing a role in the business over the years.
Operating the store has not been without its challenges, however. Prices of flavor extracts have quadrupled and minimum order quantities have substantially increased, making it difficult for small candy stores to maintain fresh products. Despite roadblocks, Mark found an innovative solution by partnering with other candy stores to pool resources and share orders. Understanding the challenges of small business owners in Estes Park, Mark is a leader and an advocate within the community. He was elected to the Board of Trustees as the lone voice of small business, bringing their challenges to the table and advocating for solutions.
Mark says he feels privileged to own The Taffy Store, and his hard work and strong values have paid off. In May 2024, The Taffy Store was awarded first place for Best Candy Store in the nation by the USA Today Top 10 Readers Choice Contest. According to USA Today, the winners in the top 10 candy stores not only make delicious candy but also enable customers to "discover new flavors, support local businesses, and enjoy a fun and nostalgic experience." The Taffy Store is a treat not to be missed! Order online or check out the Taffy Cam on their website to learn about the taffy-making process.
