Kehr's Candies to leave Milwaukee Public Market after 18 years
After 18 years, Kehr's Candies is leaving the Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St., at the end of the month.
Owners Paul and Katey Martinka announced on Facebook that they won't be renewing their lease. Their last day at the market will be Feb. 29.
"Paul and I are stepping away from the demands that come from brick and mortar retail candy business," they wrote on Facebook.
Kehr's Candies will continue its online shop and curbside pickup. Eventually, it plans to host pop-up events but will remain closed during the summer.
Pearl and B.D. Kehr opened Kehr's Candies during the Depression, selling caramel corn and potato chips, according to the Kehr's Candies website.
The couple bought recipes from candy makers who were looking to make money. They opened several locations throughout the city and eventually retired in 1960.
Their son, William Kehr, took over the business, closing all stores and keeping the factory.
Paul Martinka, who was a stock boy at Kehr's Candies in the '80s, later took over. In 2006, the Martinkas opened the retail location at the Milwaukee Public Market.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kehr's Candies to leave Milwaukee Public Market after 18 years
