Sweet Greeks

“The stories in the book are still relevant today, and the midwestern history is easy to devour because the places are familiar… . This book paired with some sweets from Flesor’s Candy Kitchen would be perfect for anyone in central Illinois with a sweet tooth.” –Smile Politely “This remarkable story is both unique and universal. It is the story of tenacious immigrant entrepreneurs overcoming enormous odds to find that sweet spot, making candy that would become a permanent feature of American daily life.”–Ken Albala, author of Noodle Soup: Recipes, Techniques, Obsession “The value of Sweet Greeks rests in its recovery of the names and personal stories of immigrant confectioners operating candy stores in small, Midwestern towns. Once an important niche for Greek entrepreneurs, candy stores also provided community spaces. Then they disappeared. Could their revival breathe life into rural communities?”–Donna Gabaccia, coauthor of Gender and Migration: From the Slavery Era to the Global Age

Ann Flesor Beck is a third-generation Greek confectioner and independent scholar. With her sister, she co-owns and operates Flesor’s Candy Kitchen in Tuscola, Illinois.