Cummings Candy & Coffee still evolving after a century in business
Generally, six of 10 credit card purchases at Cummings Candy & Coffee are made by return customers.
Having operated on Butler’s Main Street since 1905 when it was founded as Cummings Confectioners by William Cummings, the business has had plenty of time to build up loyal local customers that, just like it’s family-run history, span generations.
William’s nephew, Barry Cummings, now runs the business, having inherited it from his father, Tom Cummings, in the mid-1990s. He said the candy- and coffee-loving regulars have kept the business going for more than 100 years, but it is still exciting to see new customers and out-of-towners discover what has become a Butler staple.
“We’re not seeking growth, it has always been organic,” Cummings said. “The coffee side of it is steady; we have a strong customer base.”
Cummings said that in its 115 years in operation, the shop has seen its share of challenges. The coronavirus pandemic presented challenges to Cummings Candy & Coffee, but Cummings said the staff was able to adapt, and even improve in some ways.
Thanks to the business’ rapport with the community, Cummings said customers were patient with the changes made for pandemic guidelines.
“Sometimes we would be single-staffed and everyone has been sweet in waiting,” he said. “We have been patient in dealing with regulations, we had everyone take an online course to be COVID-safe servers.”
Candy season
While the coffee side of the business has garnered regular customers who visit almost daily, Cummings got its start on the candy side.
Cummings said many people buy chocolate from the shop, and its popular season runs from October until July. The staff still dips the chocolate at the downtown shop, and makes chocolate-coated strawberries, pretzels, crackers, nuts and more.
“In December, it’s every day,” Cummings said about the chocolate dipping. “Our biggest seasons are Christmas, Easter and then Valentine’s Day.”
While it is ingrained into the business, the store didn’t sell coffee until 1995, according to Cummings.
Kristy Davis has worked at Cummings for eight years and said she started at the shop in part because she is a coffee lover.
“It’s fun to come into work,” Davis said. “You come in to drink coffee and talk to people. You can’t complain.”
Barry Cummings said coffee has become an integral part of Cummings, and the specialty drinks get a lot of attention.
“I love the Americana,” Davis said. “It helps get your day going.”
Main Street staple
Cummings Candy & Coffee has 23 staff members among its four locations -- one is on Main Street, one is in Butler Memorial Hospital, one south of the city on Pittsburgh Road and one is west on Evans City Road.
Cummings said his wife helps out at the shop, and his daughter, Penelope, has expressed interest in taking over daily operations someday.
“She says she wants to bring doughnuts in,” Barry Cummings said. “So look out for doughnuts in the future.”
Other evolutions the shop has seen recently include more catering, which Cummings said has become more in demand.
Cummings also served on different community organizations, including Butler Downtown. He said, as a business owner and a local resident, he would like to see the city flourish with events and new businesses, because of the benefits it could bring to downtown.
“We are just one of a 100 businesses on Main Street, so when we grow, we all grow,” Barry Cummings said.
Davis said she enjoys working at a family-owned business, because, in addition to feeling like part of a united group, the Cummings are understanding to employee needs.
“There is a lot of wiggle room working in a family business,” Davis said. “If you need to go spend time with your family, the owner will have it covered for you.”
Each day he is in the shop, Cummings speaks with a handful of friends who come through, as well as other people buying their coffee for the day.
He said the intimate atmosphere of the candy and coffee shop are the best parts of running the business.
“It has been my second home all my life,” Barry Cummings said. “It’s just a great atmosphere to be in.”
