Ann Arbor’s Sweet Spot
Tucked inside Zingerman’s Coffee Company—just a few steps past the Bakehouse—sits one of Ann Arbor’s best-kept secrets: the Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory. Retail Manager Allison Schraf, a 20-year Zingerman’s veteran with a palate honed at the Deli, shared that one guest referred to the Zingerman’s Southside collection of shops as “the Diagon Alley of Ann Arbor.” As they explained, “You come around the corner, and suddenly all these Zingerman’s businesses have opened up before you!”
The Candy Store is open to all visitors—unlike Diagon Alley, a special shopping area for witches and wizards that humans can’t see—but it’s still pretty magical. Duck inside and you find 600–700 confections from around the world! “Historically,” Allison says, “every neighborhood had its own candy store. Places that specialized, celebrated, and took pride in sweets. Today, those are rare—and that’s part of what makes this place special.”
Allison sources everything from calissons and pâte de fruits from the south of France, to Sicilian and Belgian marzipan, to real licorice from Scandinavia, and more. Nearly everything is available to taste, especially the shop’s 100-plus collection of craft chocolate bars. “It can be daunting,” she says. “But that’s why we’re your confection consultants. It’s not your job to know everything about our products—that’s ours.”
Valentine’s Day highlights will include J. Patrice bonbon boxes, Belgian marzipan hearts, and charming foil-wrapped Italian chocolates. Guests can even build their own gift boxes, combining candy, coffee, and snacks like pretzels, nuts, and Michigan-made beef jerky from the growing provisions line.
Behind the scenes, Production Manager Jamie LeBoeuf is busy dreaming up what’s next for 2026 and beyond. Expect line extensions and small-batch “special makes”—limited-run sweets that create a buzz every time they appear. “Our peanut butter eggs were a huge hit,” Jamie says. “People are still asking for them, and they’ll definitely be back.” The team is also exploring new brittles and seasonal treats to keep the shop lively and full of surprises.
Jamie is equally excited about the future of the chocolate the Candy Manufactory uses for its own line of candy bars, like the original Zzang!® bar, all made by hand in small batches. The team is exploring partnerships with small, origin-based producers—makers who process cacao from start to finish in the same country where it’s grown. “More of the value stays with the farmers and the community,” Jamie explains. “It supports better livelihoods and results in phenomenal chocolate. There’s more to come.”
From thoughtful sourcing to a passion for preserving the magic of a true candy shop, Allison and Jamie are shaping a confectionery experience you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re tasting your way through craft chocolates or snagging that perfect gift, the Candy Manufactory invites you to slow down, savor, and discover something sweet.
This originally appeared in the January/February edition of Zingerman’s News—check out the rest of the newsletter!
