Our Story

A family tradition since 1926

Regina's Candies was founded by a young Greek craftsman, Frank Elliott and his bride, Regina. The candy legacy they created has continued for 100 years, passed on to their children, grandchildren and beyond.  The tradition began with pride in our craft and continues today without compromise.

Quality has no substitute at Regina’s. Our chocolates and candies are cooked in small batches using the finest ingredients: fresh and frozen fruits, sweet cream butter, real whipping cream and quality nuts. There is no skimping on the family recipes!

Frank Elliott at the original store on Wabasha & Kellogg in St. Paul.
Regina Elliott, Frank's wife and namesake of Regina's Candies
Frank and Regina's son Charlie and his wife Patricia ran the store for many years.
Charlie and Patricia's son Mark Elliott, retired owner and current candymaker and teacher.
Tom Saunders, Amanda Sames and their son Fred, current owners.
Mark and Tom make a batch of Butter Almond Toffee

In 2026 Regina's changed hands from one family to another. As Mark Elliott, Regina’s grandson, prepares to retire, Tom Saunders and Amanda Sames are learning how to carry on the tradition of quality, small batch candy craftsmanship and excellent customer service that you’ve come to expect at Regina’s.

As a local couple from just across the river in Minneapolis, Tom and Amanda know the special place Regina’s holds in the hearts of customers whose families have been coming here for generations. While there's no good handbook for the handoff of something so exceptional, our families are working together to make sure the Regina's legacy continues at least another 100 years.

Pouring a batch of Butter Almond Toffee on the marble table

We are committed to using the same small batch recipes and handmade methods that have made Regina’s Candies a family tradition since 1926. We make our caramels, brittles and toffees in copper kettles, pour them out on century-old marble tables to cool, and cut them by hand before enrobing them in chocolate. Cream fillings are hand rolled, glacéed fruits are hand dipped, truffés are spread out on those same marble tables and cut by hand. You can taste the attention to detail in every bite.

Enrobing our Sponge Candy in milk chocolate

Our handmade fillings are coated in rich, delectable dark or milk chocolate. We do this for two reasons, first because chocolate is delicious, and second, it acts as a preservative, keeping the creams, toffees, caramels and truffés tasting as sweet and fresh as the day they were made.

Cutting up a batch of our delicious caramels

We put a great deal of thought and care into everything we make at Regina’s. We love candy, and every day we see how it can put a smile on someone’s face, bring back fond memories, brighten a difficult day, and help celebrate special moments. When you visit Regina’s, we hope you can see, feel and taste the love we have for our customers and community.

When we say Regina's is a family tradition, we aren't just referring to ours.

Regina's is a family tradition for many customers handed down from one generation to the next.

If it isn't yet for you, we hope you stop by and find out why.

If this is true for your family, we are grateful for the years of support and look forward to seeing you next time!