A Sweet Escape to Calico Charlie's Candy & More

Who needs Willy Wonka when you could have Calico Charlie?! 

Nestled in the heart of Fostoria, Calico Charlie's is where nostalgia and sweetness converge, inviting visitors on a delightful journey through a wonderland of confections! This charming candy store isn't just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth—it's an experience that transports you back to a time when candy was more than just a treat; it was pure magic.

Stepping into Calico Charlie's is like stepping into a candy lover's dream. The air is filled with the irresistible scent of sugar and chocolate, and every corner is adorned with colorful displays of candies from near and far. From classic favorites to unique finds, there's something to tempt every palate and evoke memories of childhood delights. Calico Charlie's boasts an impressive selection of candies, ranging from old-fashioned favorites to modern treats. Lose yourself in rows of glass jars filled with colorful candies, from gummy bears and licorice twists to jawbreakers and chocolate-covered everything. Whether you're craving something sour, something sweet, or something in between, you're sure to find it here. 

Calico Charlie's Candy & More is owned and operated by Kristin VanCuren Koester and her husband Matt Koester. Kristin originally made this sweet dream of hers a reality by taking the CO.STARTERS course, an entrepreneurial workshop and educational opportunity provided thought the Fostoria Learning Center. After completing those courses, Kristin then went on to win the LAUNCH Fostoria pitch competition. The LAUNCH Fostoria pitch competition is a head to head competition of local entrepreneurs who are looking to jump start their business. The money raised from votes then serves as capital for the winning business. The vision was clear, to create a space that was welcoming, fun, and exciting to experience. The Calico Charlie's storefront has now come to include more than just your favorite throwback candy, but also newly made candies as well as retro sorts, along with different types of popcorn, children's games and books and the ability to provide activities for youngsters, retro and sports signs, and gift jars and gift baskets.   

The name of the business is a nod to the past; Calico Charlie was the nickname of Charles Foster Jr., the son of Fostoria's namesake and both a congressman from Ohio and the governor of the state in the late 1800s. After his marriage to Annie Olmsted, two daughters were born to them, Jessie and Annie. During the Civil War, Charles Jr. remained in Fostoria, attending to the duties of the growing store and its many responsibilities. Later, when he went into politics, his democratic rivals first used the nickname to say that while other men fought for the country, Charles Jr. stayed behind the counter selling calico (cotton cloth) to the soldiers' wives. His friends toop up the challenge and calico neckties became the trademark of the followers of "Calico Charlie". 

If you're in Fostoria, Ohio, don't miss the chance to experience the magic of Calico Charlie's Candy & More. Whether you're a candy connoisseur or just someone with a sweet tooth, you'll find something to delight your senses and brighten your day. So come on in, explore to your heart's content, and let the sweet adventure begin at Calico Charlie's. Find Calico Charlie's Candy & More in downtown Fostoria at 206 South Main Street.