Step through the doors of Logan’s Candies in downtown Ontario, California, and you’ll be greeted by the rich, nostalgic aroma of boiling sugar. Through the large front window, crowds often gather to watch the mesmerizing process of pulling, rolling, and twisting colorful ribbon candy, pillow mints, and the shop’s famous handmade candy canes.                                      

For owner Jerry Rowley, this isn’t just a job – it’s a lifelong passion. Rowley started working at the shop seasonally when he was only 12 years old. Now, decades later, he and his wife, Susi, have owned the business since 1982, preserving its old-fashioned charm.

“What could be more fun than working at a candy store, right?” Rowley said with a smile. “I guess I became passionate about making candy at some point.”

Originally founded by the Logan family in 1933 during the Great Depression, the shop has remained a local treasure. When the Rowleys purchased it, they kept the name to honor its history. 

Today, everything is still made in small batches using original recipes and traditional methods.“You come in here, and you’re still making everything in small batches,” Rowley said. “We do things that most places don’t, like our candy canes.”

Though the shelves are stocked with over 600 varieties of treats, from retro favorites to handmade chocolates and fudges, the store comes to holiday life as the calendar moves toward Christmas. The candy canes take center stage as the shop hosts live demonstrations where visitors can watch Rowley turn molten sugar into striped masterpieces.

The Rowleys even hold a world record for the largest handmade candy cane, a 30 pound massive creation that hangs proudly in the store.

“It has endured quite a few earthquakes over the years,” Rowley said.

In recent years, the shop’s fame has gone global thanks to social media. Videos of the candy-making process, which also features Rowley’s daughter, have gone viral on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, attracting millions of views.

“We’ve got a lot of followers now,” Rowley said, “And so we are hoping to get some people in.”

Despite the worldwide attention, Logan’s remains a beloved spot for local families. Rowley loves seeing multi-generation customers including grandparents who came as kids but now bring their grandchildren to experience the magic.

Looking ahead, Rowley hopes the shop will continue thriving for years to come, keeping traditions alive.

“We like to interact with everybody, especially at Christmas time,” he said. “It makes it a great holiday for us.”