Can this chocolate company fill the void left by Hershey’s departure?
LAURIE WEIR
Can an up-and-coming entrepreneur with a passion for chocolate fill the void left by the Hershey factory closure in Smiths Falls?
Let’s find out!
Gillian Manton, the owner of Moose Munchies Candy Co. in Montague Township, is quickly becoming a local favourite, known for her handcrafted fudge, saltwater taffy, and maple hard candies. With her business gaining momentum, she plans to open a storefront where customers can watch her craft these delicious treats.
But the start of this sweet venture was as humble as it gets—a late-night craving and a kitchen experiment gone wrong.
In an interview with Hometown News, Manton shared her journey, explaining how a simple conversation with her husband sparked what has now turned into a thriving business.
“It all started with a TV show about desserts and my husband saying, ‘I could go for some fudge,’” she laughed. “I thought, ‘Sure, no problem, I’ll make you some.’ But my first attempt was a gooey mess!” Undeterred, she kept experimenting until she perfected both the texture and flavour.
That initial “mad scientist” experiment turned out to be a great ice cream topper, she said with a smile.
“From there, it was one experiment after another to get the right texture, flavour, and that ‘eyes-rolling-back-in-your-head’ feeling of delight—without being overly sweet,” she explained. “My squirrel brain thought, ‘Let’s make all the candies!’ But for now, fudge remains our main focus.”
Her homemade fudge quickly became a hit within the community, and soon her kitchen creations expanded to include saltwater taffy and maple hard candies, inspired by Lanark County’s maple syrup heritage.
While Hershey’s departure didn’t directly influence her decision to dive into the confectionery world, Manton fondly recalled visiting The Chocolate Shoppe as a child during family trips to the cottage. “I was sad to see it go, but happy that it opened the door for other local businesses to grow and be embraced by the community,” she said, sharing her vision for Moose Munchies as the region’s new sweet destination. “Since everything is handmade, we can be really picky with our ingredients, allowing us to offer a variety of nut-free and vegan-friendly options.”
Running a small business with two young children at home hasn’t been without its challenges. “It’s a bit of a whirlwind,” she admitted. “Once the kids are in bed, I switch from mom to fudge maker. I’m like a confectionary vampire, working late into the night!”
Manton hopes that with upcoming renovations, she can streamline production and move toward a more balanced schedule. For now, she’s grateful for the outpouring of community support.
Looking ahead, Manton has big dreams—quite literally. “There might be a giant moose statue and a roller coaster in our future!” she teased.
Her ultimate goal is to create a space where visitors can enjoy the nostalgic experience of traditional candy-making with a touch of fun.
Despite the demands of running a business, Manton finds joy in connecting with her customers, especially at local farmers’ markets and events.
“Seeing people’s faces light up when they try our candy can bring me to tears,” she shared. “I can’t thank our community enough for their support.”
OK, enough teasing—where can we buy these treats?
“We’ll have a store locator on our website soon where you can find our products in stores across Ontario, plus options for nationwide shipping,” Manton said. “You can also find us as seasonal vendors at the Smiths Falls, Metcalfe, Navan, and Parkdale Farmers Markets. We also attend many special events—keep an eye on our social media (Facebook, Instagram).”
In a final piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, she said, “Yes, it’s scary, but it’s worth it. When you find something that fuels your passion, it doesn’t feel like work—it feels right. Keep your eyes and ears open and say yes to unique opportunities. There’s no telling how far something will take you, even something as simple as a piece of candy.”