Jeffersonville candy shop seeks repeat national title from USA Today

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A longtime southern Indiana candy shop is once again in the running for a national title.

Schimpff's Confectionery has been nominated for USA Today’s 2026 "Best Candy Store in America" contest after winning the nationwide competition last year.

The family-owned business is celebrating 135 years in operation this year. The owners are encouraging supporters to vote daily through June 8 in the hopes of earning back-to-back titles.

A panel of experts selected independent candy stores from across the country for the annual contest, with public voting deciding the winner.

Steve Shepherd, known to customers as "Cousin Steve," said the shop was honored by the support it received during last year’s competition.

"We were honored that people across America and the world voted for Schimpff's Confectionery last year," Shepherd said. "Last year was amazing, but this year we marked 135 years in business, so a repeat win would be a little extra cinnamon on the red hot."

Jeffersonville Main Street is also encouraging people to cast their votes for the candy store.

Executive Director Jay Ellis said Schimpff’s has become a cornerstone of downtown Jeffersonville and continues to attract visitors from around the region.

Founded in 1891, Schimpff’s is known for its handmade candies, including red hots, toffee and Modjeskas. The shop also features a deli lunch counter, a 1950s-style soda fountain and a candy museum.

Voting is open daily through June 8 on USA Today’s website.