Schimpff's Confectionery banking on sweet future with big expansion

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One of the oldest businesses in Jeffersonville has embarked on a sweet new future.

Schimpff's Confectionery will reach into history to change the way it makes candy.

You can't go wrong with candy. It adds a sweet memory to the most special occasions.

"We're out celebrating our anniversary," explained Jennifer Monroe, a Schimpff's Confectionery customer. "Came in for some chocolates...nice little treat."

Schimpff's Confectionery lives by this thinking. It's a family owned business that has been hand-crafting candy for 124 years.

"I think it all has to do with the history," said Walt Murphy of Schimpff's Confectionery. "And wanting to do something to keep a historical business in existence."

Schimpff's is writing a new chapter in its history.

"They're gutting everything in there and building all new," Murphy said.

The Jeffersonville company bought the building next door on Spring Street to add more retail, deli, and production space. It will double in size.

"We're going to tear down completely then dig and pour two new stories," Murphy said. "Hopefully our plan....is there will be a glass wall in the retail area, so you can actually see the production going on in the back."

Schimpff's doesn't make all of its own chocolate.

"Most, but not all," Murphy said. "It's the biggest reason for this expansion."

Perhaps it's best explained by that classic episode of "I Love Lucy" in which Lucy works in a candy factory. The candy conveyor belt is called an enrober. But Schimpff's never had room to house one. Now, it's at the top of the list to go into the new production space.

"With the enrober, it will enable us to start to make our own," Murphy said. "All of our assorted chocolates will be ours."

The company will keep its personal touch.

"Everything most everything will be done by hand," Murphy said.

The first phase of construction is tentatively planned for completion by the end of the year, meaning Schimpff's can make sweet memories for generations come.

Schimpff's managers say business increased significantly with the opening of the Big Four Bridge -- and that's helping to pay for the expansion.