Butte’s Shepperd’s Candy celebrating 70 years of sweetness with Tuesday Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Shepperd's Candy's in Butte has roots that were planted 70 years ago but its story is goes back well over 100 years.

Bruce Shepperd was a talented young confectioner who, in 1918, was employed by Black Confectionary and Gamer's Confectionery, who were among the 70 confectioners and ice cream parlors in operation in the Mining City.  By the time Bruce and his son, Bruce Jr., opened Shepperd's Candy in 1954, there were only 7 remaining.  Today, Shepperd's Candy is the last one standing.

Over the past 70 years, Shepperd's Candy has become a Butte icon.  Part of the reason why they have not only survived, but thrived over the decades, is because their candy is among the best you will find anywhere.  Their chocolates are hand dipped.  Their pan candy is made the same way it was 70 years ago, quite literally poured into a pan and cut.  Some of the equipment in operation is 150 years old.  They have no choice but to make their candy the old-fashioned way.  And the old-fashioned way is simply delicious.

Shepperd's Candy has in its history seen many mine strikes and closures.  It survived the sale of the Anaconda Company, worldwide pandemics and even car crashes but it has remained a Butte Legend and is under the guidance and care of only its 4th owners, Ron and Mary Gallardo who succeed the original Shepperd father and son and Bruce Jr.'s son-in-law, Dave Egedahl.  But even as the youngster, Ron has been a part of Shepperd's for 36 years.  Ron and Mary are dedicated to the Shepperd's Candy tradition and legacy and ensure that the candy that you remember from your youth is the same candy that you will enjoy today.

Shepperd's had a "soft" opening in 1954 and even upon the completion of their next-door "workshop" in 1979, there was no ribbon-cutting ceremony.  Today, after their recent repair, Ron and Mary are having an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 13th at 11am with Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher, officials from the Butte Chamber of Commerce and other dignitaries.  You are invited to attend and even take a tour of the operation afterwards.