Speach Family Candy Shoppe stands the test of time

Started in 1920 by Michele Spicciati (Michael Speach), The Speach Family Candy Shoppe began as an opportunity for a first-generation immigrant from Italy to have something to call his own and a way to provide for his growing family. 

As the business passed through four generations, every family member had a hand in the daily operations of producing, packaging, and delivering sweet treats all over Central New York and even exporting to Europe. 

Now in the hands of the fourth generation — president and head chocolatier, Michael Speach, Jr., along with his sister Connie — the business pulls from its deep roots honoring generations past and present. 

The business moved around Central New York with the various brothers’ and sisters’ involvement until it found its current home on Syracuse’s Northside, only blocks away from where the first-generation homestead was located. The company has been at its current location, at 2400 Lodi St., since 1994. The store space is about 1,000 square feet and the workshop space encompasses about 2,000 square feet for a total of 3,000 square feet.

Some of Speach’s famous products include the peanut cluster, the cream nut bar, the “I’ll Be Dipped” chocolate covered potato chips, Sue’s Famous dessert truffles, and over 80 variations of chocolate brickle. 

In 2018, the Speach Family Candy Shoppe launched a new line of fruit convections called Fruit Workz, designing new arrangements and flavors of fruit mixed with chocolate. Products in this line include Leaves and Pumpkin Fruits, PBJ berries, and chocolate covered strawberries.

Here are some thoughts from Speach Family Candy Shoppe leadership on the keys to its success and advice for others starting out in business.

Q: What are the guiding principles that you base your success on? Are they the same now as when the business began?
Always offer high-quality service and products. Support the community that supports you. This has been ingrained in our business practices for every generation — including hiring immigrants in the early years to the current staff of friends and family members. 

Q: What is one piece of advice you would offer anyone just starting out? 
As a small business, the best advice we can give is to be aware of other businesses around you. Every relationship you begin with a small business can always lead to new opportunities, new ideas, and collaborations that can be mutually beneficial for all involved. Sometimes thinking outside the box and outside of your operation can lead to an amazing future beyond anything you think is possible. Not losing your passion might mean changing the way you operate, but if you have the support of your staff, your family, your friends, and your community — success is always possible.