Caramel Crisp Corner 90th Anniversary

Still Tasty After All These Years ~ Caramel Crisp Celebrates 90 Years in Oshkosh! 

The advertisement for the 1933 Grand Opening of the original Caramel Crisp Shop in Oshkosh boasts of homemade fudge, buttered popcorn (large and crisp with plenty of butter), popcorn balls and potato chips. The owner clearly takes great pride in the wonderful array of confections and treats the shop has to offer. 

In the center of the ad, there is a line warning the reader to “Beware of Imitations”! 

90 years have passed, and it has become very clear that Caramel Crisp can’t be imitated or duplicated – it is a special and unique part of the landscape of Oshkosh. The aroma of caramel and of cookies baking, the sound of popcorn popping, and the music of laughter and conversation when friends come together – all of these elements and more combine to create the magic that is Caramel Crisp.

The original owner of The Caramel Crisp Shop was a confectioner who made chocolates, candy, popcorn and other tasty treats. In 1956, he sold the business to the Rickert sisters (Joyce Bartelt and Ruth Negendank) who moved it across the street to 420 North Main Street. For nearly two decades, the sisters helped make life in downtown Oshkosh sweeter with their delicious wares. 

Once the sisters left the business, it was sold three times before being purchased in the late 1980s by Darla Anderson. With Darla and her partner, Richard Graf at the helm, Caramel Crisp became the spot to go for ice cream, delicious lunches and (of course) popcorn. After 15 years, it was decided that the time had come for the care of Caramel Crisp to pass to other hands. 

Darla was hopeful that her daughter Chanda would be able to take over the business. There were impediments at first, but eventually the stars aligned and Chanda agreed that she would take the reins and bring a new and exciting vision of the beloved Oshkosh institution to reality. 

It was no longer possible for Caramel Crisp to remain on Main street so the decision was made to move the business into the City Center, just a few blocks from downtown. This new location provided much more room for the business to grow – and grow it did! A toy store, a gift shop and eventually a bookstore were added under the Caramel Crisp roof. The menu was expanded to include many exciting breakfast, lunch and dessert options. Caramel Crisp became known throughout the area as a wonderfully unique spot for one of a kind food, gifts, decor items and toys – even wine!  Even though the location has changed, the love between the community of Oshkosh and Caramel Crisp remains strong. Chanda is devoted to promoting the downtown area and works tirelessly to help Oshkosh grow and thrive. 

On Sunday, September 10th from noon to 3 pm, Chanda and the whole gang at Caramel Crisp will be throwing a party to celebrate 90 fabulous years! There will be music, great food, games and family fun!