If happiness came covered in Belgian chocolate, the Sir Walter Candy Co. would be the happiest place on Earth. The pastel-colored shop is reminiscent of a vintage candy store, smelling like rich chocolate and childhood.

Founded by Alfonso and Alejandra Porras in California more than 25 years ago, the candy company started out of the back of a custom trailer that the family would take to farmers markets. 

Amir Porras, son of the founders and vice president of the Sir Walter Candy Co., was 6 years old when his parents built the first candy trailer. He said candy has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. 

“I was a shy kid but having to sell candy or hand out samples helped me come out of my shell,” he said.

Initially, the company only sold candied nuts, but then started making chocolates and nut brittles. They eventually expanded to a brick-and-mortar shop in California, where they specialized in corporate gifts. Using their own products, as well as confections from other companies, the company built a name for itself in the industry.

When a candy supplier didn’t fill their order one year, it left them scrambling to complete holiday corporate gifts. Out of that frustration, Alfonso turned to his mentor, Walter Zittle. Zittle had given Alfonso his family’s recipe books and those candy-making instructions were the start of a brand new business. 

“We needed some caramel corn, so we went to the books, went to the kitchen and started playing around,” Amir said. “We found some caramel popcorn recipes and some English toffee recipes. After a lot of cooking and burnt batches, [my dad] was able to figure it out.”

The idea was born that Sir Walter Candy Co. could become a reliable supplier of gourmet confections for small and medium-sized businesses. When they couldn’t find the space to manufacture their products, the Porras family found an industrial kitchen on Malvern Avenue in Salt Lake City and relocated to Utah in 2008. 

Although they opened a small retail store in the downtown location, demand for a bigger space was becoming a pressing issue. In August, the Sir Walter Candy Co. opened a 36,000-square-foot retail shop and manufacturing facility in South Salt Lake at 3828 S. Main Street.

“Our last building had about 10,000 square feet and we were bursting at the seams there,” Amir said. “We had the opportunity to purchase the building we’re in right now and it has filled so fast we’re already looking for more space.”

The shop is full of gourmet chocolates, candied nuts, specialty brittles, chocolate-covered strawberries and pretzels, and seasonal popcorns. Visitors can enjoy the Belgian waffle bar, where they can choose decadent toppings, or create their own popcorn flavors using white, milk or dark Belgian chocolate.  

Frozen hot chocolate is a popular drink year-round, with the company’s rich Belgian hot chocolate put through a slushie machine. It can be customized to include a layer of chocolate on the inside of the cup that freezes and breaks apart for an extra chocolate crunch. 

The shop is open from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Visitors can watch candy being made on weekdays, with different chocolates being produced every day. 

“You come here for the experience because it’s more than just a treat,” Amir said. “The ambience here gives you a nostalgic feel, like if your grandma made candy during the holidays.”

For more information, visit sirwaltercandy.com.