ELLINGTON, Conn. — Creating flavors like chocolate peanut butter and strawberry cheesecake John and Maureen Virkler are smooth operators, except when they make flavors like maple walnut and rocky road; those, by design, are not as smooth.
The Virkler’s two-year-old enterprise called Connecticut FudgeWorks in Ellington is dedicated to decadence. The two grandparents create dozens of varieties of their signature fudge that are now sold at stores around the area.
“People like fudge," John laughed.
Maureen Virkler got serious about getting her fudge on the shelves around 2022. Stirring, churning and boxing, she does most of the production in a small industrial kitchen inside a bakery.
“I had back surgery and I was twiddling my thumbs thinking of something to do and I’ve always wanted to get back into fudge so here I am.," said Maureen.
John Virkler added that their fudge is finding a following.
“The farmer's markets are really good, we’re in about 12 retailers here in Central Connecticut that sell our product and we are starting to sell online," said John.
Maureen noted that, no surprise, chocolate is the number one best seller with chocolate peanut butter a close second and salted caramel in third place.
With Valentine's Day around the corner, John said business is about to pick up.
“You know chocolate and Valentine’s Day just go together… this is just making people happy, making people smile," John said.
To learn more about Connecticut FudgeWorks click here.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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