Chapter 1: The Charm of Burlingame

For a little girl from the Bronx, where a chain-link fence enclosed a patch of grass, Burlingame, California, represented true paradise with its sprawling orange trees. My first trip to California in 1953, a graduation gift from my parents, unveiled the wonders of the West. Among those delights was Preston's Candy Store on Broadway-Burlingame Avenue, a haven for every kind of sweet imaginable.

My sweet tooth is part of my heritage, likely influenced by my Irish roots. The handmade treats from Preston's transported me to a world of confectionery bliss that I had never experienced back in New York. Although the Bronx had its own candy shops, they lacked the charm of Preston's. I fondly remember my mother giving me pennies to hurry to the candy store, ensuring I’d get my fill before the shelves were bare.

The candy stores I frequented in the Bronx were dark and uninviting. Atmosphere was irrelevant; as long as I got my sugar fix, I was content. Preston's was an entirely different experience, bursting with color and light. The bright California sun poured in through the windows, illuminating the vibrant displays of sweets that lined the shelves, creating an atmosphere that was pure joy.

Discovering Preston's was as breathtaking as my visit to Muir Woods or watching Laffing Sal entertain at Playland, experiences that my sister-in-law introduced me to during that trip.

When I returned to California four years later to attend the College of San Mateo, my focus shifted from candy to college life. However, after meeting my husband on my first day of school in 1957, we eventually settled in Burlingame.

Today, Preston's Candy Store still occupies a special place in my memories. I vividly recall visiting with my young daughter to select a box of candy for her grandmother's birthday. The Page family, who owned the shop, played a key role in rekindling my fondness for Preston's. Doug Preston founded the store after serving in WWII, and by the early 1960s, it had become a beloved local destination.

Though the candy shop landscape may have changed since then, my memories of Preston's remained. Recently, I stumbled upon an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about the shop's struggles. It has faced significant challenges during the pandemic, and the new owner, unrelated to the original Preston family, has worked hard to keep the cherished recipes alive.

As the pandemic ravaged the food industry, Preston's found itself without the online presence necessary to survive. When they reopened, the customer turnout was insufficient to cover costs, leading to fears of closure. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan stepped in to create a website and promote online sales, introducing the concept of "Rescue Boxes," which quickly sold out.

Will this online initiative sustain Preston's legacy in Burlingame? My hope is strong, but my admiration for the woman behind the shop today is what truly resonates with me. At the age of seventy, she took over the store from Doug Preston upon his retirement, learning the craft from him over three years. This was no small feat, as she had no prior experience in confectionery.

But then came the pandemic, and with it, the chaos of supply chain issues. Customers clamored for their favorite treats, but Mrs. Preston faced obstacles in acquiring necessary ingredients. Her commitment to quality is unwavering; she's not one to compromise.

While I can easily find quality chocolates nearby, I would gladly pay for a $36 Rescue Box from Preston's. Each piece evokes cherished memories of my time in Burlingame, surrounded by loved ones.

The challenges of starting a business, especially at the age of seventy-seven, are daunting. It's a testament to her spirit and resilience. She deserves our respect and support, and perhaps a virtual visit to Burlingame for some of her delightful chocolates is in order.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. If you enjoyed this piece, feel free to explore more of my writing.

The Love Story that Saved a Legendary NYC Chocolate Shop - This video tells the heartwarming tale of how love and determination helped a famous chocolate shop in New York thrive despite adversity.

Chapter 2: A Recipe for Success

As I reflect on the journey of Preston's Candy Store, I think of the challenges and triumphs that define small businesses.

The Recipe of Success ft. Elaine Read and Matt Weyandt with Xocolatl Chocolate - This video explores the ingredients of success in the chocolate business, emphasizing resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.