Century-old Chicago confectionery files for bankruptcy protection

Primrose Candy, a family-owned candy manufacturer, seeks to reorganize more than $12 million in debts and secure new financing.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Primrose Candy, a Chicago candy manufacturer that has been making confections since 1928, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company is seeking to reorganize more than $12 million in debts and secure new financing to pay its 90 mostly contract employees and other business expenses.

Why it matters

The bankruptcy filing highlights the challenges facing small, family-owned businesses in the confectionery industry, as the costs of raw materials and other expenses have risen significantly in recent years, squeezing profit margins.

The details

According to the bankruptcy petition, the rising costs of making candies like assorted fruit-flavored starlights, lemonade drops and buttery toffee have become a major financial burden for Primrose Candy. The company is seeking to restructure its debts and secure new financing to keep its Northwest Side factory operational and retain its workforce.

  • Primrose Candy has been making confections since 1928.

The players

Primrose Candy

A family-owned Chicago candy manufacturer that has been making confections since 1928.

David Welch

A Chicago attorney representing Primrose Candy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That piece of wrapped butterscotch candy that grandma pulls out of her purse has gotten a lot more expensive to make these days.”

— David Welch, Attorney representing Primrose Candy (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the bankruptcy case will need to approve Primrose Candy's reorganization plan and financing in order for the company to continue operations.

The takeaway

The bankruptcy filing by Primrose Candy, a century-old Chicago confectionery, underscores the financial pressures facing small, family-owned businesses in the candy industry due to rising costs of raw materials and other expenses. The company's struggle to remain viable highlights the challenges many local businesses are facing in the current economic climate.