Red Hot Repeat! Schimpff’s Confectionery Wins Best Candy Store in America Two Years in a Row!
Schimpff’s Confectionery has successfully defended its title as the best Candy Store in America! After four weeks of voting by the public, Schimpff’s has repeated their win in the nationwide contest hosted by USA Today. The locally owned candy shop, famous for its red hots, has been operating in historic Downtown Jeffersonville, Indiana since 1891.
A panel of experts from USA Today nominated independent candy stores from across the country and then hosted online voting to determine which one the public thought was the best in the nation. Schimpff’s earned the most votes nationwide and has been honored with the designation of the Best Candy Store in America 2026.
“We are so grateful to the public for voting for Schimpff’s again,” said Steve Shepherd, (known as Cousin Steve), the fifth generation of the Schimpff’s family to run the business. “Over several generations, our family has put our heart and soul into this business to make it what it is today. We’re honored by the support, and we share this victory with Jeffersonville, and all of our devoted customers, friends, and family across the world.”
Jeffersonville Main Street, downtown revitalization organization, praised the back-to-back victory by the 135-year-old Downtown Jeffersonville business. “We’re ecstatic about this repeat victory,” said Jay Ellis, Executive Director of Jeffersonville Main Street. “Schimpff’s is an amazing local business that brings the world to Jeffersonville, and this win speaks to how much they’re loved. This is also a win for all the businesses in Downtown Jeffersonville because it raises the visibility of the whole area.”
Schimpff’s Confectionery Featured in Disney Special on ABC!
Jeffersonville, Indiana’s very own Schimpff’s Confectionery will be featured on a national television special, called Disney Celebrates America: The Pursuit of Happiness. The show airs Monday, June 29 at 8pm on ABC and streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
“We are incredibly honored to be featured in ABC’s upcoming Disney TV special, Disney Celebrates America: The Pursuit of Happiness,” said Steve Shepherd (known as Cousin Steve), the fifth generation of the Schimpff’s family to run the business. “As a family business with a history dating back more than 135 years, being selected to represent the spirit of Main Street, U.S.A. is something we never imagined. This story isn’t just about candy — it’s about tradition, community, family, and creating memories that last a lifetime.”
The two-hour primetime special will span the distance from Main Street, U.S.A. to Tomorrowland, and every stop tells some of America’s greatest stories.
“We’re so proud to have a business from Jeffersonville, Indiana’s historic downtown featured in a nationwide television special about the 250th birthday of America!,” said Jay Ellis, Executive Director of Jeffersonville Main Street, Inc., the nonprofit downtown revitalization organization. “Schimpff’s is a great example of a successful family-run Main Street business continuing to build on its traditions. They are representative of all of the wonderful small businesses we have in Downtown Jeffersonville.”
About Schimpff’s Confectionery:
Schimpff’s Confectionery has operated in Jeffersonville, Indiana since 1891. Warren and Jill Schimpff ran Schimpff’s Confectionery from 1990-2025. Now their cousin Steve Shepherd, a 5th generation family member, who, along with his wife Beth, run the famous business. Warren and Jill still work in the shop, help with tours, and offer advice from their years of experience. In addition to selling a wide variety of sweets ranging from their world-famous red hots to toffee, and Modjeskas, the business also features a deli lunch counter, an authentic 1950’s soda fountain, and a candy museum. Schimpff’s Confectionery is located at 347 Spring Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Schimpff’s encourages people to visit their store and the other small businesses in Downtown Jeffersonville.
