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On your next visit to Historic Philadelphia, be sure to check out the sweet Hershey's Kitchens Cafe at the Independence Visitor Center. Hershey's Kitchens is the perfect Apres Tour destination to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth after you have taken The Constitutional Walking Tour and seen America's Birthplace. Touring can work up quite an appetite...
Hershey’s Kitchens Cafe Offerings:
- Hershey’s S’mores - S’mores-making station featuring graham crackers, marshmallows and of course Hershey's milk chocolate. Guests can also personalize their s’mores with other tantalizing treats from Hershey’s and Reese’s
- Warm Baked Goods Fresh from the Oven - Brownies, cookies & soft pretzels with an optional melted chocolate dipping sauce;
- Drinks - Milkshakes, hot chocolate & Jolly Rancher flavored slushies
- La Colombe Coffee - Brewed and iced beverages by this trusted Philadelphia-based coffee roaster
- Lunch - Freshly prepared sandwiches and salads with ingredients from local Philly companies
Hershey's Kitchens Cafe - Hours of Operation
Open Daily
8:30AM - 7:00PM
Hershey's Kitchen Souvenirs
The Hershey's Kitchen also offers a great gift shop with cool Hershey products "blended" with Philly and U.S. history.
Milton S. Hershey and His Philadelphia Roots - Hershey's First Candy Store
Milton Snavely Hersey (September 13, 1857 to October 13, 1945) was the founder and namesake of what today is known as the Hershey Company based in Hershey, Pennsylvania (also referred to as the "Sweetest Place on Earth").
At the age of 18, following a four-year apprenticeship with a Lancaster, Pennsylvania candy maker, Hershey opened his first candy business in Philadelphia on June 1, 1876. This was just one month before Philadelphia celebrated America's 100th Birthday with the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park.
Hershey's first confectionary shop was located at 935 Spring Garden Street, and it was where Hershey produced and sold candies, nuts and baked goods. Based on its initial success, Hershey reloacted his expanded business just down the street to 925-927 Spring Garden Street. Although initially successful, Hershey's first candy store faced financing issues which ultimately led to its' closure.
Hershey Became a Chocolate Scholar
In spite of only having a completed the Fourth Grade, Hershey's empire grew into one of the sweetest American success stories of all time.
Hershey exibited grit and resilience through some other start-up failures in Denver, Chicago and New York until Hershey founded the Lancaster Caramel Company in 1886, which became extremely successful and profitable. Established as a subsidiary of the Lancaster Caramel Company, the Hershey Chocolate Company has achieved international success.
Hershey became fascinated with German chocolate-making machinery that was exhibited at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. He bought the equipment for his Lancaster plant and soon began producing a variety of chocolate creations. Hershey later sold the Lancaster Caramel Co. for $1 million in 1900 in order to concentrate exclusively on his chocolate business. Three years later, he returned to his birthplace in Derry Church, Pennsylvania to build a new factory. It was in Derry Church that Hershey he could obtain the large supplies of fresh milk that he needed to perfect and produce fine Hershey's milk chocolate.
Excited by the potential of milk chocolate, which at that time was considered as a Swiss luxury product, Hershey developed a formula to produce, market and sell milk chocolate to the American public. Through trial and error, Hershey created his own formula from scratch for milk chocolate.
Insider's Info
For the ultimate chococale lover and those seeking thrill rides, be sure to check out the exhilirating Hersheypark theme park, Hershey's Chocolate World Chocolate Tour, and other great attractions located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which is just less than 100 miles away (2 hour drive) from Independence National Historical Park featuring the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Hershey's Kitchens.
HERSHEY'S Kitchens
Independence Visitor Center
599 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
