Did you know? Fannie May’s “Pixies” debuted in 1946, and the recipe has remained nearly identical ever since

Fannie May

There are few Chicago traditions as timeless — or as delicious — as a box of Fannie May chocolates. Since 1920, this hometown favorite has been crafting sweets that taste like nostalgia itself. From the original shop on LaSalle Street to their Michigan Avenue flagship today, Fannie May remains a beloved part of Chicago’s story — one that continues to delight generation after generation.

Fannie May began with one simple promise: to never compromise on quality. Founder H. Teller Archibald opened his first candy shop in downtown Chicago, using only fresh cream, real butter, and the finest chocolate he could find. Even during the Great Depression and wartime shortages, the company refused to cut corners — and that dedication built the trust of loyal Chicagoans.

By the 1940s, Fannie May introduced what would become its signature candy — the Pixie. Gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth milk chocolate layered in one perfect bite. Chicagoans fell in love, and Pixies are still their top-seller more than 75 years later.

For generations, Fannie May was a part of everyday Chicago life — the box your parents brought to a teacher, the gift that showed up on Valentine’s Day, or the treat your grandparents kept hidden in the cupboard. Each store had its own neighborhood charm, complete with friendly faces behind the counter and that irresistible smell of chocolate.

Even as the brand expanded nationwide, it never lost its Chicago heart. Production still happens in the Midwest, and many recipes remain unchanged from those early 1920s formulas.

A century later, Fannie May continues to celebrate what makes Chicago special — tradition, craftsmanship, and a little bit of indulgence. From Mint Meltaways to limited-edition flavors, there’s always something new to discover — but the nostalgia is what keeps us coming back.

So next time you’re walking downtown, pop into a Fannie May shop and take home a piece of Chicago history. Because sometimes, the sweetest stories are the ones you can taste.

Fannie May

343 N. Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL 60601

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