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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Southport Taffy & Fudge Factory

April 2013

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Grand Opening of Southport Taffy & Fudge Factory at their location at 412 N. Howe Street, in the Water Tower District.

This is a shop that brings the old nostalgic feel of the boardwalk to Southport. The owners, Mark & Diane Salyer of Southport, felt that the old taffy & fudge shop atmosphere was missing in Southport so they decided to open one.

"It has been a dream of ours to open a local business and take part in the community for some time. We finally decided Southport could use a unique shop where the fudge, taffy, pralines and assorted chocolates are actually made. People can come out to watch the ‘show’, whether it be taffy pulling, cutting & wrapping, fudge making or pralines cooking on our confectionary stove."

When you walk into their shop, you are taken back to days past with the old-time cash register, the 1925 Coca-Cola ice chest (serving various drinks for those hot days), the black and white tile floors and countertops and the taffy equipment (most from the 30’s and 40’s). The mural on their wall (painted by a local high school girl, Morgan Gilbert) takes you way back. Be sure to come by for a sweet treat and a taste of the old days.

Pictured Left To Right:
Emily Humphreys, Port City Java
Megan Canny, Chamber Events Coordinator & Sales
Linda Pukenas, The Robert Ruark Inn
Mark Salyer, Owner
Diane Salyer, Owner
Jen Smith Holding Clara Smith, Southport Taffy & Fudge Factory
Jay Smith, Southport Taffy & Fudge Factory
Rick Pukenas, Southport Tours
Helen Lee, BB&T
Jackie Cooper, Chamber Ambassador & Cooper Electric
Carol Magnani, Chamber Ambassador & The State Port Pilot