Embark on the rich journey of Arndt’s Fudgery LLC, a sweet saga dating back to its establishment in 1913. For over a century, our family-owned business has flourished in the same location, becoming synonymous with exceptional products, top-notch service, and fair prices. The heart of our operation lies in crafting delectable fudges, with 75 tantalizing flavors, all freshly made in our own kitchen daily. Each milestone in our timeline reflects a commitment to tradition, quality, and the joy we bring to our cherished customers. Join us in celebrating the enduring legacy of Arndt’s Fudgery, where every bite tells a story of passion, excellence, and the sweet taste of success.
Timeline
Making America a little sweeter since 1913
A timeline of notable events in our 110 years of operations.
1913
In 1913, George W. Arndt and his wife purchased a grocery store in downtown Newton, Ill. Within a year, that business transitioned into Arndt’s Variety Story, offering goods for 5, 10 and 25 cents.
1947
George continued to grow the business to include locations in the nearby communities of Greenup and Casey, Ill. In 1947, his son Bill returned from service with the US Navy in WWII and purchased the chain of stores.
1963
Bill’s son Tony, current owner, remembers selling chocolates at Arndt’s for 69 cents per pound as his first job in the 1950s. Arndt’s celebrated 50 years of business in 1963.
1970
After his own service in the US Navy, Tony returned to Newton and in 1970 assumed ownership of the business. Together, Tony and Bill further expanded the chain, opening Arndt’s locations in Tuscola, Arthur and Shelbyville, Ill.
1985
Tony continually brought offerings to Arndt’s that struck a chord with the community. Arndt’s began making their own fudge in the mid-1980s, providing a variety of flavors. Customers could select fudge from a candy counter, sampling the day’s varieties to ensure they picked the best option.
1990
In the 1990s, Arndt’s began distributing Amish jellies and jams. They traveled between Newton and Arthur, restocking that location and returning to Newton with jar goods from various Amish family businesses on the way.
2018
Eventually the wholesale business for fudge and Amish goods expanded to the point that Arndt’s decided to close the retail frontage of the store in December 2017 atter 104 years of serving customers on the south side of the square in Newton, Ill.
2023
110 years!
Today Arndt’s reaches customers worldwide, sending out hundreds of orders daily with sales on Amazon and other retail sites, including their own fudgery.com. They currently offer over 75 flavors of fudge with chocolate and peanut butter the most popular flavors. Over 820 tons of fudge has been made in their Newton kitchen along with many batches of nut brittles. Arndt’s sells Amish candy, as well as BBQ sauces, pie fillings, jams, jellies, popcorns and salsas. Their wholesale business continues to expand with Arnat’s products sold across the country.
