Ron and Dora Rolando, owners of Great Lakes Mercantile, landed themselves one sweet business deal ? literally.
The downtown Oxford store is now the only retailer in the United States, outside of Mackinac Island, where chocolate lovers can purchase fudge from May’s Candy Shop.
Bearing May’s registered trademark of ‘Famous Mackinac Fudge,? half-pound slices of plain chocolate, chocolate nut, chocolate peanut butter and peanut butter are available at Great Lakes Mercantile for $8.95.
‘We sampled all the fudges made on Mackinac Island in a blind tasting about six years ago and we both agreed his (May’s) tasted the best,? Ron said.
Since 1881, every generation of the May family gone into the candy-making business. Their famous Mackinac Island store has been going strong for 65 years and is the oldest fudge shop in operation today.
Often imitated, but never duplicated, May’s fudge is the definitive Mackinac fudge because the making of every piece is either done or supervised by a member of the May family.
It took the Rolandos a few years to secure the privilege of selling the famous fudge, but the Addison couple finally earned the May family’s trust.
‘Twenty years ago, (the Mays) used to sell it to retailers, but they stopped because (stores) didn’t take care of it,? Ron said. ‘They guarantee every piece of fudge.?
Unless it’s frozen, May’s fudge has a shelf life of three weeks, Ron said.
Great Lakes Mercantile is backing every delicious piece they sell. ‘Somebody has a bad piece of fudge, bring it back,? Ron said. ‘We’ll give them their money back or replace it.?
Typically, ‘Famous Mackinac Fudge? is only available between May 20 and October 15 ? that’s when May’s Candy Shop is open and producing its delicious confections. But the Rolandos plan to purchase and freeze plenty of fudge ahead of time to sell during the off-season.
Free samples of fudge will be available during Celebrate Oxford Saturday Aug. 6 in front of Great Lakes Mercantile located at 8 S. Washington Street.