One of downtown Sault Ste. Marie’s longest tenured businesses has moved, but only a few doors down from its original location.
After more than six decades at its longtime home on West Portage Avenue, Fudge Du Locke has relocated to 307 W. Portage Ave., directly across from the main gate of the Soo Locks.
Fudge Du Locke was founded in 1964 by Gary “Mac” McClellan, the father of current vice president Zak McClellan. The shop moved to a building that the McClellan family owns, which gave them the opportunity for a “refresh.”
“We own that building we moved to, so it seemed like a good time for a refresh and some updates,” said Zak McClellan. “The fact that we own (the building) gave us a lot more flexibility to make some changes we want. We were able to freshen up the outside to match the inside.”
While those changes include an updated look, entrance and interior, the menu and experience remain the same, McClellan said. It includes homemade fudge, chocolates, various flavors or taffy, peanut and cashew brittle, caramel corn and many other types of traditional sweets.
“We’ll still be making fudge almost every day of the week and will be entertaining customers (while doing that),” McClellan said.
Fudge Du Locke is open seven days a week from the end of April until just before the holiday season each year.
Fudge Du Locke remains a family business today with Zak’s nephews now involved in making fudge and sweets as third generation family member employees. The McClellan family also owns several locations of Zak and Mac’s Chocolate Haus in St. Ignace, Frankenmuth and Rochester.
Gary McClellan passed away in 2015, and the businesses has endured despite the usual peaks and valleys for small business retailers. His wife, Carol, has owned the business since Gary’s death.
“It’s been a family challenge at times to keep the business going but we’re proud of what we’ve done,” McClellan said. “We are constantly evolving while still trying to keep the traditions that we have become known for.”
McClellan doesn’t expect many future changes as the family continues to invest in its current Fudge Du Locke location in Sault Ste. Marie and other retail businesses around the state. That was a goal that his father had while maintaining a level of foresight that helped to ensure long-term success.
“We’re focused on all our stores but (the Sault Ste. Marie location) is very important,” McClellan said.
Fudge Du Locke offers online orders that can be shipped anywhere in the world. Learn more by visiting fudgedulocke.com.
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Fudge Du Locke moves to new downtown Sault location
Reporting by M. Alan Scott, Sault Ste. Marie News / The Sault News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By M. Alan Scott, Sault Ste. Marie News | USA TODAY Network
