Atkinson Candy Co. unveils new mural in celebration of 90 years

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - Atkinson Candy Company is celebrating 90 years of business in Lufkin.

The company first opened its doors in 1932 with B.E. and Mable Atkinson starting the business early in the Great Depression.

President Eric Atkinson says his grandparents opened the company after his grandfather was laid off and he needed a income to feed his two young sons.

“A relative told him, ‘That nobody’s got any money right now, but everybody’s got a nickel. So granddaddy took that information and went into the candy and tobacco business and then in about 1938, he strictly sold the candy that we make,” Atkinson said.

Since then, Atkinson Candy Company Is known nationwide in part for making Chick-O-Sticks And Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars, all of which are made by hand in their factory.

Atkinson said it takes tenacity, a good product, caring about your employees and understanding how retailers work to make it 90 years.

“But we also focus on quality, and just the fact that it’s really about happiness. It makes us proud to share happiness with the world,” Atkinson said.

In honor of reaching this milestone, the company unveiled a new mural to honor their employees’ work.

The company commissioned Waco-based artist, Mateo Cantu, to create a mural depicting the hands that delicately craft each treat to perfection.

“We’re celebrating the workers, the employees who for 90 years by the work of their own hands made all the candy that we’ve ever made,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson said we can expect a lot from the company in the future.

“100 years ago, Forest Mars was selling caramels, didn’t even know what chocolate was, so give us another 90 years maybe we’ll be where Mars is,” Atkinson said.

The mural is located along Frank Avenue in Lufkin.

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