COLUMBUS, Ohio — Family and chocolate is a sweet combination for an Ohio-based candy company.

Anthony-Thomas candy company was incorporated in Columbus in 1952, but its founders came to Ohio in 1907. Some of their recipes date back more than a century.

“Being Greek immigrants going into the chocolate industry was very common,” said Nick Trifelos. “Back when we started, there was actually a sugar ration and that helped us propel into the business.”

Trifelos is a fifth-generation employee at Anthony-Thomas, working alongside his mother and grandfather.

“I can remember packing boxes as a little kid,” said Nick. “I’m super close with my family, so it was a nice way to be able to spend more time with them.”

Nick’s mother, Candi Trifelos, is the company’s vice president.

“I actually started working when I was around 10 years old,” said Candi. “At the holidays when I was out of school I would help my mother wrap boxes and stock shelves at the local candy stores.”

Anthony-Thomas’ current factory is more than 150,000 square feet and for the first time in nearly two years, visitors are welcome inside for a look behind the scenes.

“I feel like I am one of the few people that has truly got to work with my father, my grandfather, a couple uncles and now my son,” said Candi. “And I hope to work with many more family members in the future.”

Anthony-Thomas Candy Company is the largest family-owned candy manufacturer in the Midwest.

Factory tours are every Tuesday and Thursday by appointment.