What began as a vision for revitalizing downtown Blackfoot has become a beloved community gathering place filled with fudge, handmade chocolates and hometown pride. Owned by Paul and Judy Loomis, The Candy Jar has grown into a local landmark just steps away from one of the city’s biggest attractions.

The Candy Jar, located at 105 Northwest Main St., directly across from the Idaho Potato Museum, opened after Paul Loomis spent years working in public service in Blackfoot. While helping install murals and redesign Broadway Street to improve accessibility and parking, Loomis noticed a downtown building that wasn’t welcoming the roughly 65,000 visitors who come to the Potato Museum each year. After encouraging the former owners to rethink their business model, the building was eventually put up for sale.

After waiting several months to see if anyone else would invest in the space, Paul discussed the idea with his wife, Judy. While she was initially hesitant, excitement from their children and grandchildren — especially the idea of a candy store — quickly changed her mind. The Loomises purchased the building in January 2019 and immediately began renovations, which took nearly 10 months to complete. The goal was not only to open a business, but to show what was possible for downtown Blackfoot.

Since opening, The Candy Jar has helped spark renewed interest in the area. Collaboration with the Idaho Potato Museum and increased foot traffic have contributed to a wave of renovations downtown, reinforcing the Loomis’ belief that small, thoughtful investments can make a big difference.

Inside The Candy Jar, the most popular item is handmade fudge, made fresh in the store every day. The idea to make fudge came during a research trip to candy stores between Idaho and Seattle while developing the business plan. A small shop on Bainbridge Island convinced Paul that fudge was essential, and it has since become the store’s top seller.

The Candy Jar also emphasizes handmade, regional products. Its second best-selling items are hand-dipped chocolates from Weiser Classic Candy in Weiser, Idaho — one of the few remaining family-owned businesses that still hand dips every piece. Additional confections come from Post Falls, Pocatello, Caldwell and beyond. Some items are even made on site, including heart-shaped suckers crafted by a local candy maker using her grandmother’s recipe.

New products often come from customer suggestions or from confectioners who reach out directly. However, The Candy Jar avoids selling mass-produced candy that can be found at big-box stores. Instead, the focus remains on unique, small-batch treats with a story behind them.

For Paul and Judy, the greatest joy of running The Candy Jar is interacting with customers. Over time, many visitors have become familiar faces and friends. One of Paul’s proudest moments came when his grandchildren visited from Huntsville, Alabama, and helped out in the store, sweeping and mopping floors alongside him.

Despite frequent requests to franchise or expand to other cities, the Loomises have no plans to grow The Candy Jar beyond Blackfoot. The store was created as an example of community investment, not as a large-scale business venture.

Looking ahead, the Loomises hope The Candy Jar continues to be a family-centered space and a positive part of the community.