The story behind the caramels at The Circular
Hershey, PA is often referred to as “Chocolate Town, U.S.A.” and it’s no secret why. Milton S. Hershey is famous for the signature Hershey’s Chocolate Bar. The first recorded sale of Hershey’s chocolate was on April 17, 1895, and the rest is history. But if the rest really is history, then why do you receive a sea-salt caramel at the end of your meal at The Circular, the flagship restaurant at The Hotel Hershey?
The Lancaster Caramel Company was Milton S. Hershey’s first successful candy-making business. After failures in Philadelphia and New York City, Hershey returned to Lancaster and succeeded. The Lancaster Carmel Company opened in 1886. In 1893 Hershey visited the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and was fascinated by an exhibit of German chocolate-making machinery. He purchased chocolate-making equipment and had it shipped back to Lancaster. The Hershey Chocolate Company was established as a subsidiary of the Lancaster Caramel Company in 1894. In 1900, realizing the success of his chocolate-making, Hershey sold the Lancaster Caramel Company in order to focus on his chocolate business.
When your meal concludes at The Circular, an individually-wrapped sea-salt caramel is presented. The card with it reads “Thank you for dining at The Circular. Please enjoy this sea-salt caramel, compliments of our kitchen. This sweet treat is a tribute to our founder Milton S. Hershey’s first successful candy business, The Lancaster Caramel Company, which preceded his iconic Hershey Chocolate Company. Enjoy!”
In 1933, Hershey opened The Hotel Hershey atop Pat’s Hill and in 1934 The Circular, the Hotel’s flagship restaurant, opened. Our treat to you at the end of your meal is just a little reminder that there is sweet history everywhere you go in Hershey, PA.
For additional information about the history of Milton S. Hershey, visit www.HersheyArchives.org.
About The Hotel Hershey
The Hotel Hershey is a one-of-a-kind resort complete with 276 guest rooms and 25,000 square feet of meeting and function space. The 1930s hotel is known for its refined elegance, signature service, and abundant amenities. The Hotel Hershey is situated high atop the town of Hershey and features a Mediterranean design, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, majestic formal gardens, fountains, reflecting pools and terraces. The property is also a member of Historic Hotels of America. Opened in 1934 by Milton S. Hershey, The Circular is The Hotel Hershey’s flagship restaurant. The Circular serves upscale casual cuisine and innovative cocktails in a unique atmosphere. For more information about The Hotel Hershey or the destination of Hershey, Pennsylvania, visit www.TheHotelHershey.com. Join the conservation by following The Hotel Hershey on Facebook, @TheSweetestPlaceOnEarth on Instagram, and @HersheyPA on Twitter.