Maker of iconic Idaho Spud Bar has new owner. Will Boise company see changes?
A beloved local company has changed hands, but the new owners want Idahoans to know they have nothing to worry about.
The Idaho Candy Company, well-known for its well-established Idaho Spud Bar — yes, it’s shaped like a potato — has been sold to the Sturdivant family, according to a news release. And the new owners say they know better than to mess with success.
The company was founded by candymaker T.O. Smith in 1901, and its candies have since been sold in most Idaho grocery stores and gas stations. The business was sold to the Wagers family in 1984, but that Boise-based family felt it was time to retire, according to Paul Sturdivant, the new owner.
Sturdivant told the Idaho Statesman by phone Thursday that it was important to the Wagers family to keep the business local and preserve the legacy that’s been carried on for more than a century. The Sturdivants live in Caldwell.
The sale was completed in July, the new owners said.
Sturdivant said the company has 15 employees that work at its historic plant and storefront on 8th Street in downtown Boise. He intends to keep all of them, and hopefully hire a few more as Idaho Candy tries to grow the brand.
“We’ve got some really great long-term employees who are pretty passionate and knowledgeable about our products, and they’re all staying with us,” Sturdivant said. “They know how to run that factory. And so far, they’ve been very generous with giving us a chance and getting to know us.”
Don’t expect much to change, according to the new owners.
%20Idaho%20Candy%20Company.jpg "Sturdivant family (Paul & Megan on the left) Idaho Candy Company.jpg")
The Sturdivants plan to continue producing the company’s popular treats, such as Huckleberry Gems, Peanut Brittle and Owyhee Butter Toffee.
“With any company like this, you’re really a steward of a lot of people’s memories, and we take that seriously,” Sturdivant said. “We want to make sure the products are available, that they taste the same and that they look the same. We’re looking to take care of that and continue to be a fixture in the Idaho quirky, nostalgic snack scene.”
This story was originally published August 1, 2025 at 4:00 AM.
