Sir Walter Candy Co. named Utah’s 2025 Small Business of the Year

The journey of Sir Walter Candy Co. began over 25 years ago when Alfonso Porras was captivated by stories from his sister about Walter Zittle, a passionate New Jersey confectioner who had recently hosted her visit to America. Walter shared his extensive knowledge and recipes with Alfonso, igniting a lifelong passion for candy-making. Before his passing in 1992, Walter entrusted Alfonso with his personal collection of candy-making books, a gesture that laid the foundation for Sir Walter Candy.

In December 1997, Alfonso embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by crafting confections in a custom-built trailer and selling them at local farmers markets. His dedication and unique offerings quickly garnered a loyal customer base. By September 2000, his team celebrated the grand opening of their first retail store in Monrovia, California, expanding their reach and product line. Seeking a larger facility to meet growing demand, the Porras family relocated to Salt Lake City in 2008. This move allowed them to enhance their production capabilities and collaborate with local businesses, including providing products for Harmons grocery stores. Their commitment to quality and innovation led to the opening of a new retail location in South Salt Lake in 2016, offering a diverse range of artisanal candies and chocolates.

Throughout their expansion, Sir Walter Candy Co. has benefited from the support of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). He received SBA loans that facilitated the acquisition and renovation of their current 36,000 square-foot facility, significantly increasing production capacity. Collaborations with organizations like the University of Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center have further optimized their operations, resulting in a 20 percent increase in production capacity. These strategic improvements have positioned the company for sustained growth and success.

From a young boy’s fascination with confectionery tales to leading a celebrated family-owned business, Alfonso Porras exemplifies the impact of passion, resilience and community support. Sir Walter Candy Co. continues to delight customers with handcrafted treats, honoring a legacy that began with a generous mentor’s gift and has flourished through hard work and strategic partnerships.

In recognition of their remarkable achievements and contributions to the community, Sir Walter Candy Co. has been honored as Utah’s 2025 Small Business of the Year. This accolade reflects their unwavering dedication to preserving the art of candy-making.