N.J.'s Best Candy Shop Is A Chester Favorite, Report Says

CHESTER, NJ — Black River Candy Shoppe, which is located in the heart of Chester, has received a national honor, taking the top spot for the best candy shop in New Jersey.

Taste of Home, a national magazine and website, recently published an article naming the best candy shop in each state. Black River Candy Shoppe in Chester, a Morris County institution, won the state title.

Black River Candy Shoppe has been making sweet treats since 1999. The store's website lists "candies of all kinds," including 200 different types of candy bars, nostalgic sweets, English candies, bulk treats sold by the pound, sugar- and nut-free candies, Jelly Belly beans and more.

The store at 44 Main Street, was opened by Steve Jones, who started the business “after a long career in the pharmaceutical industry as a research microbiologist and also in production management,” he previously told Patch in an email.

"With over 900 different candies, you’re certain to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth at Black River Candy Shoppe, whether you’re craving Jelly Bellys, a chocolate bar or even something sugar-free," the website wrote.

The popular candy shop, like many others, closed during the COVID-19 pandemic but has bounced back after reopening in the fall of 2020.

"I believe that over the years we have become an anchor store for downtown Chester, drawing regular customers from as far away as Bergen County, Staten Island and NYC," Jones told Patch in 2020.

Over the years, Black River Candy Shoppe has made its mark in Morris County, even receiving a spot on a Food Network Magazine list that was initially published more than five years ago.

The store was also named New Jersey’s top candy store in 2017 on the “Best Things New Jersey” list.

For more information about Black River Candy Shoppe, visit www.blackrivercandyshoppe.com.