Supplier Series: Reids Chocolates
One of our newest partnerships is with a Waterloo Region community staple: Reids Chocolate, Candy & Nut Shop! We've spoke with co-owners and siblings, Carrie & Ted, to learn more about their sweet, family business.
The business started in 1948 as Raymond’s Nut Shop. It was later purchased and renamed by Hugh and Isabelle Reid. In 1971, Carrie & Ted's parents, Tom and Kathy Drew-Smith, purchased the business from their close friends, the Reids, and kept the brand name. When their parents were ready to retire in the early 2000s, Ted and Carrie purchased the business. Throughout their 70 year history, one thing that has remained constant is freshly roasted nuts. Chocolate, however, became a core part of the business in the 80s when Tom and Kathy decided to make their own.
The legacy all began in downtown Galt, but in 2018 Reids expanded from one to three locations. In addition to their flagship store, Reids now has a manufacturing facility and small factory store also located in Galt as well as another retail location in the Old Quebec Street Shoppes in downtown Guelph.
Reids prides themselves in staying true to the tradition of freshly roasting our nuts, using classic recipes and quality ingredients. Being in such a happy business, they've always felt honoured that customers choose to "Celebrate Life's Moments" with them, "Whether it is a special holiday treat that you receive in your stocking every year, the same chocolate bunny at Easter or your favourite chocolate favours on your wedding day", says Carrie.
Collaborations haven't been a big part of the Reids history, but they were excited to join forces for a new ice cream flavour when we reached out. "We are huge fans of Four All and were excited to partner with another small locally-minded business who are handcrafting their own products", Carrie shares.
Our new Reids Tortoise ice cream is a vanilla ice cream with a caramel swirl and chunks of their signature tortoise candies - caramel covered pecans with a chocolate coating. Carrie imagines the endless possibilities of tasty ice cream flavours that could be made with Reids candies: "...anything from our mint sandwich, peanut butter meltaway, our Rocking Ruby cluster (marshmallow, red berries and milk chocolate) or Andies Dandies (pretzels,caramel and milk chocolate) would all be delicious".
See what Reids is up to on their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or visit their website to learn more about what treats they have to offer.
