Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Stephano.
Josh, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I attended the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in Cambridge and after graduation started work at the now closed, Rialto in Harvard Square. After cooking at Rialto for two years I left to work for my cousin and her husband Maureen and Jim Gallant at Priscilla Candy Shop (Gardner and Concord MA). I am currently the head confectioner at the Gardner location where everything is produced and sold or shipped to the Concord location for retail sale.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Deciding to enroll in culinary school and leave college was a big jump but I was fortunate enough to be hired by Rialto after graduation. Being surrounded by such talented chefs like Jody Adams, Brian Rae (Coppa) and Peter McKenzie (Strip T’s) and being able to learn from them reassured me that I had made the right decision.
However, the restaurant industry is a commitment, not just for you but for your friends and family as well. I have a great deal of respect for anyone who is in the service industry after my brief restaurant stint. After working nights, weekends, and holidays for two years I decided to leave.
Candy making allows me to have a creative outlet much like savory cooking but in a different way.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Started by Greek immigrants Charles Stephano and John Crand in 1936, Priscilla’s has been a staple in the greater Gardner community for over 80 years. In 1985 a second retail store was opened in Concord, MA.
A classic New England candy store, Priscilla’s features a wide variety of chocolates and confections ranging from ganache truffles, caramels and fudge. Our chocolate and candy is still made in our candy kitchen in Gardner the same way as it was in 1936.
We seek out the highest quality ingredients to use in our chocolates and confections, trying to source as many products from New England as possible.
What were you like growing up?
Outgoing and always looking to please. Involved in athletics and played baseball throughout high school (still a Red Sox fan). Didn’t have an interest in cooking until seventeen years old.
Pricing:
- Chocolate $23.50
Contact Info:
- Address: 19 Walden St, Concord MA 01472
- Website: www.priscillacandy.com
- Phone: 978-371-0585
- Email: sales@priscillacandy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priscillacandy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PriscillaCandyShop/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/priscillacandy?lang=en
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