NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — It's bound to be busy this weekend at an iconic Queens candy store, believed to be the oldest in New York City, as customers flock to the confectionery to pick up some sweet treats for their sweethearts for Valentine's Day.
Schmidt's Candy, located at 9415 Jamaica Ave., sits in the shadows of the J train tracks in Woodhaven and the first thing customers notice when walking into the family-owned, old-fashioned candy shop is the sweet smell of sugary goodness.
Third-generation owner Margie Schmidt estimates there are about 20,000 pieces of candy on display in the store at any given time.
From caramels to hard candies to chocolate, Schmidt still uses many of the same recipes — and original tin molds — her Grandpa Frank did when he first started the business in 1925.
“I love working here," Schmidt said. "I'm in a candy store for God's sakes. I’m glad grandpa didn't start a fish store.”
The business is also run pretty much the same way since it started. Books are handwritten and include personal notes of neighborhood wives' preferred choices for Valentine's Day.
“Men who can’t remember what their wives like. So we know, so the guys don’t get in trouble," Schmidt said.
Customers, some who have been visiting the store for 60 years, come from far and wide.
“I grew up right around the corner from here and I used to come here all the time when her father owned the place," said regular customer David Uster, who makes a special trip out to Queens since moving to Long Island. “The chocolate? Best you can ever get. All handmade."
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