See’s Candies brings its tradition to Issaquah

A California tradition, a See's candy chain opened a storefront in the Issaquah Commons, challenging a market that’s been long dominated by Boehm’s Edelweiss Chalet.

By Celeste Gracey • January 27, 2011 4:58 pm

For North Bend’s Ann Newton, there is only one type of chocolate worth eating, and it just got a lot easier to buy.

“There’s no candies better than See’s Candies, I rather not have any than See’s,” Newton said.

A California tradition, the candy chain opened a storefront in the Issaquah Commons, challenging a market that’s been long dominated by Boehm’s Edelweiss Chalet.

Raised in Glendale, Calif., Newton used to get the candies as a child. As a young mother, her friend stopped babysitting her children to take a job at See’s.

“People grew up around See’s chocolate,” said manager Maggie Thome. “It’s been around a long time.”

Now a senior, Newton used to drive to Bellevue to get her fix. She’s happy to find a store in Issaquah, a place she does most of her shopping.

“I hope they do really well,” she said.

The shop couldn’t have opened at a better time, a few weeks before Valentine’s Day.

“It’s a great opportunity to get our name out there,” Thome said.

Near to a wine shop and a massage parlor, it’s also in a good location for special treats.

The small storefront is traditional, with checkered floors, shelves of boxed chocolates and a sterile glass case.

Grab a variety box, or line up to have one filled with a variety of favorites. All of the chocolates are made in California.

It isn’t the only new location in the area. One is slated to open soon in Westfield Southcenter Shopping Center, Thome said.

The Issaquah grand opening celebration is all day today, Jan. 28. Thome plans to have the See’s classic cars on display, free samples and a prize wheel.

Grand Opening

10 a.m.-7 p.m., Jan. 28

755 N.W. Gilman Blvd.

Free samples, classic cars and a prize wheel