St. Cloud Treat Maker Headed to the Chicago National Restaurant Association Trade Show

(KNSI) — A St. Cloud treat maker is one of just 16 Minnesota companies invited to attend the National Restaurant Association Trade Show Sweets and Snacks Expo in Chicago later this month.

The show is a chance for small businesses to get their products in front of the biggest players in the industry, such as Walmart, Target, Costco and more. Heavenly Treats will show off its famous handcrafted cookies and toffee.

Company CEO and Founder Kathy Leighton-Carton learned to make the goodies while teaching at a Catholic school in Rock Island, Illinois, after tasing “the most amazing toffee at a Christmas Party in 1980.” A nun who worked at the school had made it and offered to teach her. “So, on a Saturday morning, myself and a couple of other teachers met her in the school cafeteria, and we learned how to make toffee.”

She says the nun was gracious enough to give her the recipe, which has been tweaked and perfected ever since. “So 43 years later, I’m still making toffee. And it’s definitely my passion.”

Leighton-Carton told KNSI News what makes their toffee special “is the ultra-thinness. And our customers are loving it.”

Heavenly Treats started in 2008 with milk chocolate toffee and is now up to six flavors, including dark chocolate, coffee Mocha, peanut butter, peppermint and orange twist. They also created a cookie made with milk and dark chocolate toffee.

The company sells its products online, with orders picked up at its office in the Radio City Music Mall on West St. Germain Street in downtown St. Cloud. They are also ship and sell directly to stores like the Grand Depot in Waite Park, the Gathering Ground in Avon and all 11 Kowalski’s Markets in the Twin Cities. Shop here.

Leighton-Carton was asked to be one of a handful of presenters on her product at the Sweets and Snacks Expo. The presentation will be in front of a panel of buyers from Sam’s Club, Cracker Barrel and Walgreens. The panel and audience will give feedback about the product, which she hopes can help improve the products.

The Expo runs from Tuesday, May 23rd to Thursday, May 25th.

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