Snook's Chocolate Factory defeats supply woes to serve Valentine's Day demands

Valentine's Day is synonymous with chocolate and flowers. When it comes to chocolate in Folsom, the Snook family continues to satisfy the community's sweet tooth, even in times when supply chains and shipping woes have made it a challenge. "Like just about every business today, we have had our share of supply challenges these last several months, but we have worked around them." said Jim Snook, who brought the family's famed chocolate recipe to Historic Folsom back in 1985 with his wife, Renee. While the local company has endured challenges that are anything but sweet, they have muscled through them and haven't missed a beat when it comes to filling orders for their local customers, as well as those who order those beautiful heart-shaped boxes packed with heavenly sweets from afar. "We have had to go online and find alternative sources for some things like straws and cups and pay more for shipping as our local supplier has been shorted all kinds of products," explained Snook. "As far as raw materials, we source a local almond and walnut grower and buy local Crystal milk, butter and cream so we have been OK there." But what about those magic ingredients required to create what Snook's is famous for, it's fine chocolates. Don't fret; with years of experience as a business owner, Snook was well prepared for today's challenge by planning ahead. "When it comes to chocolate, we have seen back orders arise but we have been ordering before we need it and storing more of it right here," he said. "Same with sugar; we ordered about three times more than normal and we are reordering, prior to needing it. Our storage area is packed." Following in the footsteps of his father, chocolate has been a way of life for Snook since he was just a kid. In fact, it was chocolate that sparked a romance nearly 20 years ago to bring the local couple together, before their business became part of Folsom. It was in 1982 when Renee made a trip to a department store to make an exchange. At the same time, Jim Snook was working at his parents' candy store, stretching out the peanut brittle just inside the front window. That was the beginning of the couple's romance. "He had his name tag on his shirt, so I said, 'Hi Jim, it looks hot back there.' I didn't even know what I was doing but my feet weren't moving!" Renee said. "He asked what my name was, so I told him. Then I got my bread and left." Every Saturday after that, Renee would see Jim working at the candy store when she was shopping. Eventually, he asked for her phone number and their sweet story began its first chapter. Snooks Candies and Chocolate Factory was established in 1963 as Country Candies by John and Jeannine Snook. In 1985, Jim and Renee opened up in Historic Folsom, then in the lower level of the Hacienda building. In 1999, they officially purchased the business from his parents. In 2002, Snooks moved to its current corner location at 731 Sutter St. where visitors can get a good look at their products as they are being made and enjoy the sweet aroma that fills the shop during the process. "It's rare to see chocolatiers working with their chocolates right there in front of you," Renee said. "And then to have the confectionery side making brittles, hard candies and caramel corns, it's also rare. To see all that in action, to get the smells and be in a family atmosphere, that experience doesn't cost a thing. We really wanted to share that with the public." Along with today's challenges of shipping and supplies, Snook's has been working hard to staff their business. Fortunately, their business is a family affair that helps keep the chocolate pouring and the conveyor belts running. It's not uncommon to see Jim's father, John, making appearances at the store or enjoying the sights of Sutter Street from one of the family's handmade benches out front on a nice day. "I worked with my father for many years and now my kids are working with Renee and me," Jim said. "People always say they would never work with their husband or wife, but for us, it works, even though it doesn't allow a lot of even though it doesn't allow a lot of family time outside of work." When it comes to Valentine's Day, Snooks is known for their special heart boxes that come in a variety of sizes. Inside customers will find a selection of chocolates that are handmade and hand packed right here in Folsom. To learn everything about Snook's Chocolate Factory, visit them in person seven days a week or see what they have to offer online at snookscandies.com. For Valentine's gifts, ordering or shopping ahead is highly suggested.