COSTAS CANDIES TIMELINE
NOV. 2021
Costas Candies re-opens after a full store remodel. The candy production area was expanded and completely renovated, allowing Costas to expand their online candy sales. The building's historic ceilings and floors were once again exposed for visitors to enjoy. Costas is excited to embark on this next chapter with even more candy-making possibilities.
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Oct. 2020
Costas Candies launches a new website and online store.
June 2020
Costas announces the new future of Costas Candies: The beloved and historic candy store is expanding, however, the restaurant side of the business will not be reopening. The restaurant had been closed since March 18, 2020 because of the COVID pandemic. The store will undergo a full remodel and renovation to allow for more retail and production space.
2019
Costas celebrates its 100th Anniversary in downtown Owatonna. After 100 years Costas still uses the same recipes started by George Boosalis for buttercremes, caramels and toffee. The crème beater was bought used by George Boosalis in the early 1920’s and is still being used today, along with the heavy marble table where hot, fresh caramel is poured to cool overnight.
Costas celebrates its 100th Anniversary in downtown Owatonna. After 100 years Costas still uses the same recipes started by George Boosalis for buttercremes, caramels and toffee. The crème beater was bought used by George Boosalis in the early 1920’s and is still being used today, along with the heavy marble table where hot, fresh caramel is poured to cool overnight.
OCt. 2009
The Schultz Family takes over ownership of Costas Candies & Restaurant from the Boosalis Family.
2004
Truffles made their debut on the Costas candy menu.
Jan. 2004
Ted Boosalis takes over ownership of Costas Candies & Restaurant from his father, Costas Boosalis.
Late 1980's
As the candy business grows, the business name is changed to Costas Candies & Restaurant.
Mid 1980's
The official name is changed to Costas Restaurant & Candies.
1971
Costas underwent a full remodel of the interior of the store during which the restaurant kitchen is moved upstairs from the basement. As the restaurant portion is growing, the business name is changed to Costas Coffee Shop.
1960
Costas Boosalis bought the business from his uncle George Boosalis and continued running the shop as a deli, malt shop and candy store.
1956
Costas Boosalis immigrated from Greece and begins working at George’s Candy Kitchen for his uncle, George Boosalis.
1920's
George Boosalis becomes the sole owner of 112 N. Cedar Avenue and works on adapting the business into more of a restaurant and renames the business to George’s Candy Kitchen.
1919
George Boosalis becomes part-owner of Olympia Food Store located at 112 N Cedar Avenue Owatonna, MN. Olympia is the local deli or fruit mart, where fruit, doughnuts and candies are sold. George learns the candy-making trade from another Boosalis family and people in Chicago, which was a major candy outlet at the time. Buttercremes are the first candies made by George, caramels and toffee came soon after.