BUTTE – Shepperd’s Candy here in Butte is celebrating 70 years of making homemade candy. The company is also celebrating surviving a devastating accident that almost shut the business down for good. But now the future of Shepperd’s Candy is looking bright.

“You know, this is overwhelming. We’ve been overwhelmed by Butte so many times,” said Ron Gallardo, owner of Shepperd’s Candy.

Butte’s only operating candy store celebrated a milestone that almost wasn’t achieved. On October 21 of last year, a pickup truck crashed into the facade of the historic building, destroying much of the candy supply and interrupting its important holiday sales.

The company has successfully rebuilt and is now operating at almost full capacity.

“It’s a testament to their business plan and also a testament to Butte and their commitment to really supporting our long-standing businesses,” said Butte CEO JP Gallagher.

Bruce Shepperd began making candy at this location near Harrison Avenue in 1954. Ron Gallardo has been making candy there since 1988, took over the business 10 years ago and continues to make the candy himself.

“One of my favorite days is when I come here and serve the customers because it reminds us why we do what we do,” Gallardo said.

The store has many loyal customers.

“This is the good stuff! This is the good stuff!” said Williams.

Williams said she is excited to see Shepperd’s Candy continue its legacy into the future.

“It’s wonderful, yes, it’s great. I mean, what would we do here in Butte without Shepherd’s Candy?” she said.