Dolle's Candyland

Confectionist

A visit to Ocean City wouldn’t be complete without savoring the local delicacies, and Dolle’s Candyland is the name synonymous with fabulous homemade candies. Makers of Ocean City’s original salt water taffy since 1910, Dolle’s Candyland still resides on the same site at which it was founded, at 500 South Boardwalk and Wicomico Street.

At a time when Ocean City was just a budding resort, Rudolph Dolle, Sr. decided to purchase a small taffy stand when the carousel he operated at the same location burned down. Little did he know that nearly 100 years later, Dolle’s Candyland would evolve into a local landmark. Today, the Dolle family still owns and operates the company, taking great pride in its rich history of providing scrumptious treats evocative of the seashore.

Since its inception, Dolle’s Candyland has provided the highest quality candy, at reasonable prices and with exceptional care. They still make their candy the old-fashioned way, using only the finest ingredients and adhering to strict standards. The company relies on imported European chocolate to ensure superior quality. Natural flavorings are used whenever possible and no preservatives are added. Creating their delectable treats with the freshest and most wholesome ingredients, Dolle’s Candyland offers patrons traditional, old-fashioned goodness that’s hard to come by.

“Running a family-owned business requires a lot of passion. We put so much of ourselves into everything we produce.”

Whether it’s salt water taffy, caramel popcorn, chocolates or fudge, virtually everything is made on-site, so customers can enjoy the freshest products available. Owner/Operator Anna Dolle Bushnell says, “Ninety percent of our items are made within 24 hours and within 50 feet of where they are purchased. That’s unheard of today.” Anna’s father, Rudolph “Bunky” Dolle, hand dips all chocolates and pretzels. He constantly looks for ways to improve the final product, whether it’s in flavors, machinery, or production. Dolle’s taffy-making process has remained unchanged over the years, and even the machine on which it’s produced dates back to 1953. Most of the company’s original recipes and candy-making methods are still employed today.

The Dolles take pride in the fact that their store is still family owned and operated at the same location on which it was founded in 1910. Bunky Dolle, the founder’s grandson, and his wife Pam, took over the operation in the 1980’s, putting in long hours and making many sacrifices in order to reinvigorate the company. Their children, Anna and Andrew, grew up learning the many ins and outs of the family’s candy-making business. Today, Bunky and Pam remain actively involved in Dolle’s Candyland, but their time is spent performing the tasks they most enjoy. Anna manages administrative operations, while Andrew oversees manufacturing processes. Andrew’s wife, Andrea, supervises the store and the website. “Running a family-owned business requires a lot of passion, “says Anna. “We put so much of ourselves into everything we produce. The results need to be consistently excellent.”

A visit to Dolle’s Candyland is nothing short of delightful. The store was renovated and enlarged in 2003. Charming, old-fashioned décor, including nostalgic light fixtures and black-and-white tile flooring, is reminiscent of the early 1900’s. In a warm, casual environment, the friendly staff, many of whom have been employed there for decades, enjoy chatting with customers. It’s easy to see why Dolle’s Candyland is a family tradition for many patrons. In 2006, they opened a second location at 120th in the Ocean City Square Shopping Center to better serve their north-end customers. The store features all of Dolle’s homemade candies and fine giftware. Through a new, user-friendly online store located on their web site, the company is pleased to deliver a “taste of the shore” to enthusiasts anywhere in the world.

Dolle’s Candyland
500 South Boardwalk at Wicomico Street
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
800.337.6001

www.dolles.com

Pictured: Back Row: Rudolph "Bunky" Dolle, Pam Dolle, Andrew Dolle, Andrea Nagy-Dolle. Front Row: Anna Dolle Bushnell, Brody Bushnell, Hailey Bushnell
Photography: Kyle Hughes