Crown Candy Kitchen has been serving award-winning foods, ice cream, and candy to St. Louis residents since 1913.
(StLouisRestaurantReview) Crown Candy Kitchen is more than just a restaurant—it is a living piece of St. Louis history. Located in Old North St. Louis, this iconic soda fountain, candy shop, and lunch counter has been serving generations of locals and visitors since 1913. With more than a century of continuous operation, Crown Candy Kitchen stands as one of the city’s most beloved and recognizable culinary landmarks.
Recently, Crown Candy Kitchen once again made headlines when St. Louis Restaurant Review reported the news that owner Andy Karandzieff was honored as St. Louis Restaurateur of the Year by the Missouri Restaurant Association’s St. Louis chapter. Shortly after, STL.News amplified the announcement, highlighting the significance of the award and the legacy behind the family-owned business. The recognition confirms what St. Louis diners have known for decades—Crown Candy Kitchen is not only a great place to eat, but a cornerstone of the city’s restaurant culture. Additionally, they are among the few who have been fortunate enough to receive a dedicated Wikipedia page.
Crown Candy – A Century of Tradition
Founded in 1913 by Harry Karandzieff and Pete Jugaloff, Crown Candy Kitchen began as a neighborhood candy store and soda fountain. At a time when corner shops were the heartbeat of local communities, Crown Candy quickly became a gathering place for families, workers, and children looking for a sweet treat. Over the years, the business evolved into a full-service lunch counter while maintaining its original charm.
Leadership passed to Harry’s son, George Karandzieff, who helped expand the restaurant’s reputation throughout the mid-20th century. Today, the third generation of the Karandzieff family operates Crown Candy Kitchen, with Andy Karandzieff playing a central role in day-to-day operations. This generational continuity is rare in the restaurant industry and is a major reason the business has remained so consistent for over 100 years.
Unlike many historic restaurants that modernize beyond recognition, Crown Candy Kitchen has preserved its classic character. Stepping inside feels like entering another era, complete with vintage décor, old-fashioned counters, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh candy and grilled sandwiches.
Crown Candy is Famous for Malts, Shakes, and Candy
Crown Candy Kitchen is nationally known for its thick, hand-spun malts and shakes. These old-school desserts are made the traditional way, drawing long lines of customers eager to experience authentic soda fountain treats. For many visitors, ordering a malt is a ritual—something you simply must do when visiting Crown Candy.
The shop also produces and sells a wide selection of classic candies and chocolates. From handmade truffles to nostalgic sweets you can’t find elsewhere, the candy counter is a major attraction. Customers often leave with a bag of treats, making Crown Candy both a dining destination and a specialty candy shop.
Home of the Legendary BLT
No description of Crown Candy Kitchen would be complete without mentioning its famous BLT. Known across St. Louis and beyond, the sandwich features a towering stack of bacon layered between fresh lettuce and tomatoes. It has become a rite of passage for first-time visitors and a must-order item for returning fans.
The BLT perfectly represents Crown Candy’s philosophy—simple ingredients, generous portions, and uncompromising quality. It’s not trendy or reinvented, but it doesn’t need to be. Its reputation speaks for itself.
In addition to the BLT, Crown Candy offers classic lunch counter fare, including grilled sandwiches, burgers, soups, and sides. The menu stays focused, allowing the kitchen to maintain consistency and speed even during the busiest rushes.
Recent Recognition: Restaurateur of the Year
The recent honor awarded to Andy Karandzieff as St. Louis Restaurateur of the Year has brought renewed attention to Crown Candy Kitchen. The announcement, first published by St. Louis Restaurant Review and followed by STL.News celebrates leadership, longevity, and commitment to quality.
This award recognizes more than just good food. It acknowledges the discipline required to run a successful restaurant year after year, especially in an industry known for high turnover and constant challenges. From staffing and training to sourcing ingredients and maintaining the building, running Crown Candy is a daily responsibility that requires dedication.
For the St. Louis restaurant community, the award reinforces Crown Candy’s role as a standard-bearer. It represents what a local, family-owned restaurant can achieve with consistency, strong leadership, and community support.
A Neighborhood Anchor
Located in Old North St. Louis, Crown Candy Kitchen serves as an anchor business for the neighborhood. Locals take pride in having such a historic institution nearby, while visitors from across the region make special trips just to experience it. The restaurant brings foot traffic, energy, and attention to the area, helping keep the neighborhood vibrant.
Over the decades, Crown Candy has become woven into personal memories—first dates, family outings, post-game celebrations, and casual weekday lunches. It is one of those rare places where multiple generations share stories of their visits, creating a sense of continuity that few businesses can match.
Why Crown Candy Kitchen Stands Out
What truly sets Crown Candy apart is authenticity. In an era of fast-changing food trends and social media-driven concepts, Crown Candy remains proudly traditional. The restaurant does not chase fads or reinvent itself every year. Instead, it focuses on what it has always done well:
- Serving classic comfort food
- Making high-quality desserts
- Providing friendly, straightforward service
- Maintaining a historic atmosphere
This approach has built customer trust. People return because they know exactly what they’re going to get—and they like it that way.
A Must-Visit St. Louis Destination
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Crown Candy Kitchen is a must-visit St. Louis destination. It offers more than a meal—it offers an experience rooted in history, family tradition, and genuine hospitality.
The recent recognition of Andy Karandzieff as Restaurateur of the Year only strengthens Crown Candy’s reputation. It confirms that behind the nostalgic charm is a professionally run business that continues to meet modern standards without sacrificing its identity.
For anyone exploring the St. Louis food scene, Crown Candy Kitchen stands as proof that some of the best restaurants aren’t new—they’re timeless.
Visit Crown Candy Kitchen
Crown Candy Kitchen remains proudly family-owned and operated, continuing the legacy started over a century ago. Whether you’re craving a legendary BLT, a classic malt, or a box of handmade candy, this historic restaurant delivers an unforgettable taste of St. Louis tradition.
From its 1913 roots to its recent industry recognition, Crown Candy Kitchen represents everything great about local dining—heritage, consistency, and heart. It is not just a restaurant. It is a St. Louis institution.
Crown Candy Kitchen online customer reviews, as of January 17, 2026, at 1:02 pm, are as follows:
- Google – 4.7 Stars with more than 4.1K online customer reviews and ratings
- Facebook – 96% recommended with more than 11,400 reviews
- Yelp – 4.3 Stars with more than 693 online customer reviews and ratings
- TripAdvisor – 4.5 Bubbles with more than 1,060 online customer reviews and ratings
- STL.Directory – 5 Stars with one online customer review and rating
Crown Candy – St. Louis Business Hours:
- Sunday – Closed
- Monday – 10:30 am – 5 pm
- Tuesday – 10:30 am – 5 pm
- Wednesday – 10:30 – 5 pm
- Thursday – 10:30 am – 5 pm
- Friday – 10:30 am – 5 pm
- Saturday – 10:30 – 5 pm
Crown Candy Kitchen address & phone:
1401 St Louis Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63106
Phone: +1 314-621-9650
Email: info@crowncandykitchen.net
Service options: Dine-in – Curbside pickup – No delivery
Article on St. Louis Restaurant Review relating to this establishment:
- Announcing they were added to the restaurant directory – August 14, 2021
NOTE: The information contained within this listing is subject to change without notice. Please contact the restaurant for critical information.
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