On October 11th, I was able to attend the grand re-opening of Sanders flagship Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe, in Clinton Township, Michigan. Sanders is well-known for its ice cream and cream puffs, but one of its signature products is also its Bumpy Cake—which has been around since the 1910s, and is available in more flavors than just chocolate (who knew?!).
The entire store has been upgraded, and the location is also the Sanders and Morley Candy Makers corporate headquarters and chocolate factory. Visitors to the store can actually watch chocolates being made in the production area, which is in the back of the store enroute to the restrooms area.
At the grand reopening, they had the largest Bumpy Cake that I had ever seen (see pics above), and I also was able to sample their Caramel Bumpy Cake, which was quite good, though the original is still my favorite.
Sanders also has quite a bit of snacks: it now makes its own popcorn with a Detroit-specific name—Motor City Mix—and the brand is also known for its chocolate-covered potato chips and "Gretzels" (chocolate-covered pretzels).
The store also has a museum-type area in the back, which was fun to check out, and two waterfalls of chocolate, behind the retail store's counter.
“We’ve put a lot of thought into loading the store with features to create memories that will last a lifetime,” said Brian Jefferson, chairman and CEO of Sanders Candy. “We want visitors to feel compelled to stay for a while when they come to this store.”
The renovations have also increased the previous store's footprint by approximately 30 percent, and its seating has expanded from 10 people to 50. There are an additional 75 outdoor seats, too, that will be available during the warmer months.
“We are grateful for our growing sales and increased national recognition, but we know it wouldn’t be possible without our strong customer base continuing to share us with family and friends,” said Ron Rapson, president of Sanders and Morley Candy Makers. “This new store is just one more way to allow us to continue investing locally to give the Metro Detroit community even more positive memorable experiences.”
And a memorable experience it was—even though I definitely had my share of chocolate and ice cream at the event, I'm still craving a slice of their iconic Chocolate Fudge Bumpy Cake today.
