Famous Since 1932
Candyland History & In the News
A Sweet Story That Started in 1932 🍿🍬
Let’s travel back to 1932, right in the heart of the Great Depression. In downtown St. Paul on Wabasha Street, nestled among bustling movie theaters and during a time when the city was also known as a hotspot for gangster activity, a small popcorn shop quietly opened its doors.
That little shop was originally called Flavo Korn Shop.
Back then, movie theaters didn’t sell concessions. If you wanted popcorn or sweets during a show, you stopped at Flavo Korn Shop first. It quickly became the go-to treat stop for moviegoers heading into nearby theaters.
Fun Fact: When theaters finally began adding concessions in 1938, popcorn production in the United States skyrocketed, from under 100,000 pounds per year to over one million pounds annually, almost overnight!
Enter Arnie Kelsey 🍿
Little is known about the original owners of Flavo Korn Shop, but the next chapter begins in 1938, when a young man from Iowa named Arnie Kelsey arrived in St. Paul with a dream.
Arnie grew up on a farm that produced popcorn, but his passion was always the retail side of the business. When he discovered that Flavo Korn Shop was for sale, he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
Arnie, his wife, and another couple jointly purchased the business. But history soon intervened.
Arnie and the other husband, Arvin, were both drafted into World War II and sent to France. Even while serving overseas, Arnie’s love for candy never faded. While working at a military post office annex, he ran a side hustle selling Hershey bars to fellow soldiers.
A $1 Deal and a Growing Dream
When Arnie and Arvin returned to St. Paul in 1941, their wives had kept the business running. It quickly became clear, however, that one small popcorn shop couldn’t support two families.
So Arnie made Arvin an offer he accepted: $1 for his share of the business.
With full ownership, Arnie and his wife leaned into what they loved most, sweets. Candy was the first big addition, and from there, the shop began to evolve.
Gangsters, the FBI, and a New Name 🕵️♂️
For nearly a decade after purchasing the business, Arnie and his wife experienced an unexpected side effect of St. Paul’s colorful past.
FBI agents and local authorities frequently stopped by, asking questions about the shop’s previous owners and strongly suggesting mob ties. The visits made Arnie uneasy, especially as he worked hard to build something that was truly his.
By the late 1940s, with candy now a major part of the business, Arnie decided it was time for a fresh start.
In 1949, Flavo Korn Shop officially became Candyland.
A new name. A new identity. The same commitment to unforgettable treats.
A St. Paul Staple
For decades, Candyland became woven into the fabric of St. Paul. Arnie and his wife were happy running one beloved store and never planned to expand. Candyland was simply Candyland, a local favorite built on quality, consistency, and care.
That changed in the mid-1970s.
In 1974, a young man named Doug Lamb joined the Candyland team. By the early 1980s, Arnie and his wife were ready to retire and offered the opportunity to purchase the business to their staff.
Doug and his wife Brenda were young, motivated, and eager to take on the challenge. They answered the call, and the next chapter of Candyland began.
A New Generation Takes the Lead (1981) 🍿
In 1981, Doug and Brenda Lamb officially became the new owners of Candyland in St. Paul. They shared a deep passion for St. Paul, small business, and—most importantly—delicious treats.
Young, ambitious, and full of ideas, Doug and Brenda wasted no time bringing their own energy and vision to the candy and popcorn shop. Within just two years, they were already planning for growth.
Expansion Begins: Minneapolis (1983) 🏙️
In 1983, Doug and Brenda set their sights on expansion and opened Candyland’s second location in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, at 8th & LaSalle.
The move marked Candyland’s transition from a beloved single storefront into a growing regional brand….while still staying true to its roots.
The Birth of Chicago Mix® (Mid-1980s) 🍿
During the 1980s, Candyland made what would become its most influential contribution to the popcorn world.
Arnie had always marketed popcorn flavors separately, but if a customer asked for a custom blend, he was happy to oblige—a practice dating all the way back to 1938. Building on that tradition, Brenda Lamb had an idea that would change everything.
In the mid-1980s, Brenda mixed cheese popcorn, caramel popcorn, and classic popcorn together and displayed the blend right on the counter. Customers instantly took notice.
They simply called it “The Mix.”
It quickly became Candyland’s most sought-after product.
Knowing its potential, Brenda suggested giving it a name—and protecting that name. Doug and Brenda wanted something bold, memorable, and tied to a major city. Since everyone already called it “The Mix,” they knew that had to be part of the name. With Chicago being the closest of the three major U.S. cities, the name was born:
Chicago Mix®.
The name spread like wildfire. By 1992, Candyland officially owned the federal trademark for Chicago Mix®, securing its place in popcorn history.
👉 Want to learn more? Click the link Chicago Mix®
The Chicago Mix® Era 🍿
One flavor combination would forever change Candyland’s future.
What started as a simple request from customers, mixing caramel popcorn with cheese popcorn & classic regular, quickly became a fan favorite. That blend would eventually be known as Chicago Mix®, and it took on a life of its own.
As the mix gained popularity beyond St. Paul, Candyland found itself in the middle of a national conversation about who owned the name. In the early 2000’s others began to use the name but after years of persistence, Candyland successfully defended the Chicago Mix® trademark, protecting not just a product, but a piece of popcorn history.
Chicago Mix® went from a local favorite to a nationally recognized sensation, putting Candyland firmly on the map.
Downtown Minneapolis Doubles Down (1989–1990) 🏙️
As Candyland continued to gain momentum, Doug and Brenda were approached in 1989 about another available space in downtown Minneapolis.
The concept was risky—the location was designed as a snack concession business and sat just one block away from their original Minneapolis store. Still, trusting their instincts and the growing demand, Doug took the chance.
In 1990, Candyland opened its second Minneapolis location, proving the gamble was worth it.
Candyland Meets the Mall of America (1992–2003) 🛍️
In the early 1990s, Minnesota was preparing for something big—the opening of the Mall of America, a new attraction with a focus on locally owned businesses.
Doug and Brenda received an invitation to open a Candyland location in the new “mega mall,” and eager to continue expanding, they accepted.
In August of 1992, Candyland opened its fourth location. For nearly 11 years, Candyland dazzled mall-goers with the irresistible smell of fresh popcorn.
In 2003, Candyland was informed that its lease would not be renewed. The reason? The smell of popcorn was considered too overpowering for the mall’s hallways, and management wanted a new look for the mall’s 10-year anniversary.
Customers were outraged when the news broke—so much so that the mall later returned with a new lease offer. The terms included a full remodel and a massive rent increase. Behind the scenes, the mall was navigating a legal battle between management groups, and the new leadership simply wasn’t fond of popcorn.
For nearly six years, popcorn was hard to find at the Mall of America outside of the movie theater. In 2009, the original management group regained control and welcomed popcorn vendors back—without Candyland.
It was a sweet run while it lasted.
Growing with Intention 🏙️
Unlike many brands that chase rapid expansion, Candyland grew thoughtfully. The focus remained the same as it had been since 1932: quality ingredients, small-batch production, and treats made with care.
Additional locations allowed more people to experience Candyland while keeping the heart of the original shop intact. Every kettle of popcorn, every scoop of candy, and every bag leaving the store still reflected the values Arnie and his wife built decades earlier.
A Family Legacy Continues 💙
Doug and Brenda raised four children, all of whom have worked for Candyland for many years and continue to play a role in the business today.
In 2010, Doug acquired a building in downtown Stillwater, Minnesota. One of his children, Brandon, had developed a strong drive for the business and was studying business at the time.
Doug approached Brandon about managing the downtown Stillwater property. Brandon, who was already working full-time helping manage the Minneapolis locations and assisting in St. Paul, saw something more.
He came back with a vision: the building would be the perfect home for a new Candyland location.
With Doug and Brenda’s blessing, Brandon led the project. On July 1, 2012, Candyland Stillwater officially opened its doors—and Brandon entered into partnership with Doug, Brenda, and the world of Candyland.
Poppin’ Around Town (2017) 🚚🍿
Never one to stop innovating, Brandon helped bring Candyland on the road.
In 2017, Candyland launched Poppin’ Around Town—a fully repurposed shipping container food truck complete with a working popcorn kitchen inside.
The mobile location makes fresh popcorn on-site at community events, festivals, and private gatherings, while also offering candy favorites and craft sodas.
Candyland was no longer just a destination—it could come to you.
Today, Candyland remains a family-run business, guided by generations who understand that history matters—but so does innovation.
While new flavors, seasonal creations, and partnerships continue to evolve, the mission stays the same: create unforgettable treats and meaningful moments for every customer who walks through the door.
From grandparents sharing childhood memories to first-time visitors discovering Candyland for the very first time, the connection spans generations.
Candyland in the News 📰
Candyland’s story didn’t stop there. Over the years, its signature products, especially Chicago Mix®, and commitment to craftsmanship have earned national attention.
Featured Articles & Coverage
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Star Tribune – Meet Brenda Lamb: The woman who makes St. Paul’s Candyland both sweet and salty
A look at leadership, legacy, and the heart behind Candyland. Read the Article -
CBS News Minnesota – Local popcorn maker prevails in Chicago Mix® trademark battle
The story behind protecting a legendary name. Read the Article -
Twin Cities Pioneer Press – How Candyland’s Chicago Mix® became an overnight sensation
A deep dive into the mix that made history. Read the Article -
MinnPost – How St. Paul-based Candyland stays in the sweet spot
An inside look at how tradition and innovation work hand-in-hand. Read the Article
Chicago Mix(R)
Still Poppin’, Still Sweet 💙
From a tiny popcorn shop in 1932 to a St. Paul icon recognized across the country, Candyland’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a whole lot of sweetness.
And the best part? We’re just getting started.
