Love and care go into every single batch of
wonderful candy made at Knudsen’s.

Dave Knudsen's roots go back to dairy farming in Denmark. Dave’s family has been in the food business for over 125 years. His father ran a meat market and grocery store for 53 years.  Dave and Kathy have been in the ice cream and candy business for 35 years. The family motto, “Our best is for you” was born in the early 1900’s and has been their inspiration ever since. The delivery truck on their T-shirts is exactly like the one Dave's father used to deliver groceries in the 30’s.

Dave & Kathy were married in January of 1967. In August of the following year, they purchased a small Ice Cream Store on 32nd and Clement Street in San Francisco.  In the summer of 1973, they sold the business and decided to expand into the east bay.

In August 1973 they purchased The Candy Factory located at the Southland Mall in Hayward, California. Over the next 25 years the business grew from a small 650 square foot candy store in the mall to an 18,000 square foot “real” candy factory and a 20,000 square foot candy distribution center. Both of these facilities were located in Hayward. Their gourmet chocolates were sold in a great many candy stores throughout the western United States, several stores in Hawaii and on the island of Guam.

Throughout their marriage,  Dave and Kathy worked side by side to create their successful businesses. Part of the reason for their success was the assistance of their four children and son-in-law, John Cosgrove. For many years sons Tod and Jay, daughter Vicki and her husband John worked with Dave and Kathy. Their son Ty worked in the retail store but after marring a Southern California girl, moved south. These six remaining members of the Knudsen family worked together, building the business until it was sold in 2001.

Retirement didn't suit Dave and Kathy.  The Ice Creamery in Castro Valley had been closed for a year and needed a new caretaker. Dave and Kathy leased the building, completely remodeled the ice cream store, added a working candy factory, and reopened thier business in the spring of 2004.

All of their candies are made right here where you can see the process. The recipes have been tried, tested and improved over the last 30 years. They use only the finest ingredients in order to bring you the freshest and most delicious candies available. On your way out stop by the candy counter and watch the candy maker. Then try a sample of one of there gourmet candies. Never has there been a better Peanut Brittle or English Toffee then you will find at our counter. Ingredients such as creamery fresh butter and pure Madagascar vanilla give the unforgettable flavor. Love and care go into every single batch of wonderful candy that is made at Knudsen’s.

As of the fall of 2005, Dave & Kathy decided to take their favorite son-in-law, John Cosgrove, into our company as a partner. This not only gave D & K evenings off, it also enabled them to begin making ice cream. Fenton’s had served them well through their first 15 months, and they are grateful for that help. Now they are able to make new products, such as the Lactose-free Sorbets.