Gus Nopoulos and his friend, Nick Parris came from Davenport in 1909 to attend the Wilton Fair which was at that time one of Iowa’s largest and grandest fairs. It was during this visit that Nick pointed out a recently closed confectionery in downtown Wilton with a Tufts Soda Fountain and all the fixtures remaining (the Candy Kitchen can trace its beginnings to 1860 when R. A. McIntire established a confectionary in this building). Inquiries were made into renting the building, and on June 10,1910 the dream of owning his own business became a reality when Gus Nopoulos opened The Candy Kitchen.
Seventeen dollars was tabulated at the cash register that first day, which was great considering the rent for the building was eight dollars a month, which was steep rent in those days. Not a bad first day for a man who knew only two words of English, “thank you,” and whose only asset was his ability to work. Gus married a local girl from Wilton named Mildred ‘Frankie’ Hudler. She assisted Gus in the business, and together they raised their sons, Leo and George. The entire family worked in the store to keep up with the workload. Daily duties included making ice cream, candy, and chocolates and, of course, serving the many patrons who stopped in daily.
The Candy Kitchen survived the Great Depression intact, and candy and chocolate making continued up until World War II when sugar and chocolate became scarce due to the war efforts. During the war, The Candy Kitchen was a bit short handed as Leo and George left to serve their country. After the war, George returned to his work in The Candy Kitchen and purchased the business from his father in1946. Not long after this, George married Thelma Soteros who had worked at The Candy Kitchen since she was 10. As the story goes, while working behind the soda fountain sparks began to fly and they fell in love. George even proposed to Thelma in the office at The Candy Kitchen, and they married on October 30, 1949.
For the next 66 years Gus and Thelma could be found serving customers daily at The Candy Kitchen. Throughout the years, Thelma tirelessly promoted Wilton and The Candy Kitchen making it a well-known destination for travelers across the country and around the world. After the war, Leo Nopoulos moved to Dexter, Iowa where he opened Nop’s Soda Grill, his own ice cream parlor. Leo eventually attended law school and practiced law in central Iowa for many years.
Gus saw The Candy Kitchen become a favorite after-school or work stop for students and adults alike. Babies become teenagers, teenagers became parents, parents became grandparents, and each succeeding generation continued the tradition of Cherry Cokes and Ice Cream Treats.
Today, the eighth generation of patrons still has The Candy Kitchen to call home, just as their great great grandparents did thanks to Lynn and Brenda Ochiltree who assumed ownership of this iconic business in 2015. It’s all still there… the walnut booths trimmed in marble and glass…the beautiful, mirrored walls… the leaded glass lamps over each booth… even up to the intricately designed stamped tin ceiling Gas installed in 1913. And last but not least, the marble soda fountain counter installed in 1927 and its soda fountain mechanism updated and installed in 1951, where many small children (and adults) have had their sweet tooth satisfied!
The Candy Kitchen, the sweetest place in town! Gus Nopoulos and his friend, Nick Parris came from Davenport in 1909 to attend the Wilton Fair which was at that time one of Iowa’s largest and grandest fairs. It was during this visit that Nick pointed out a recently closed confectionery in downtown Wilton with a Tufts Soda Fountain and all the fixtures remaining (the Candy Kitchen can trace its beginnings to 1860 when R. A. McIntire established a confectionary in this building). Inquiries were made into renting the building, and on June 10,1910 the dream of owning his own business became a reality when Gus Nopoulos opened The Candy Kitchen.
Seventeen dollars was tabulated at the cash register that first day, which was great considering the rent for the building was eight dollars a month, which was steep rent in those days. Not a bad first day for a man who knew only two words of English, “thank you,” and whose only asset was his ability to work. Gus married a local girl from Wilton named Mildred ‘Frankie’ Hudler. She assisted Gus in the business, and together they raised their sons, Leo and George. The entire family worked in the store to keep up with the workload. Daily duties included making ice cream, candy, and chocolates and, of course, serving the many patrons who stopped in daily.
The Candy Kitchen survived the Great Depression intact, and candy and chocolate making continued up until World War II when sugar and chocolate became scarce due to the war efforts. During the war, The Candy Kitchen was a bit short handed as Leo and George left to serve their country. After the war, George returned to his work in The Candy Kitchen and purchased the business from his father in1946. Not long after this, George married Thelma Soteros who had worked at The Candy Kitchen since she was 10. As the story goes, while working behind the soda fountain sparks began to fly and they fell in love. George even proposed to Thelma in the office at The Candy Kitchen, and they married on October 30, 1949.
For the next 66 years Gus and Thelma could be found serving customers daily at The Candy Kitchen. Throughout the years, Thelma tirelessly promoted Wilton and The Candy Kitchen making it a well-known destination for travelers across the country and around the world. After the war, Leo Nopoulos moved to Dexter, Iowa where he opened Nop’s Soda Grill, his own ice cream parlor. Leo eventually attended law school and practiced law in central Iowa for many years.
Gus saw The Candy Kitchen become a favorite after-school or work stop for students and adults alike. Babies become teenagers, teenagers became parents, parents became grandparents, and each succeeding generation continued the tradition of Cherry Cokes and Ice Cream Treats.
Today, the eighth generation of patrons still has The Candy Kitchen to call home, just as their great great grandparents did thanks to Lynn and Brenda Ochiltree who assumed ownership of this iconic business in 2015. It’s all still there… the walnut booths trimmed in marble and glass…the beautiful, mirrored walls… the leaded glass lamps over each booth… even up to the intricately designed stamped tin ceiling Gas installed in 1913. And last but not least, the marble soda fountain counter installed in 1927 and its soda fountain mechanism updated and installed in 1951, where many small children (and adults) have had their sweet tooth satisfied!
The Candy Kitchen, the sweetest place in town! 

During your visit, tour The Candy Kitchen Museum dedicated to our history, the town of Wilton and the railroad. You can also shop a sampling of gift items and collectibles courtesy of LorLen Candles, Gifts, and Antiques, also located in Wilton.