Family-Owned Canton Business Brings the Sweetness to Town

Third generation in a beloved and historical area landmark, Judy Hilliard McCarthy feels fortunate to be part of the Hilliard’s heritage, and to be able to pass it on to her children.

Hilliards House of Candy's own unique family recipes are a tradition here in Cobb's Corner. They are a name Canton knows and a place where families keep coming.

Originally founded in 1924, the family opened an Easton shop 50 years ago and in 2003, that busy location maxed out. “It got so busy, especially during the holidays;” they knew they had to do something.

Hilliard McCarthy said the family thought the Village Shoppes was such a nice area, and offered convenience for their Canton, Stoughton, and Sharon area customers. Canton welcomed Hilliards when they opened the store in 2003. When fate had them move to a different location in Village Shoppes, Hilliards made sure that an old fashioned ice cream parlor was part of the package. 

Many Cantonites are not aware that Hilliards ice cream is available here. It is one of customers’ favorite summer experiences, according to Hilliard McCarthy. Not only is the ice cream homemade, so are many of the toppings and ingredients. The ice cream parlor opens the Friday after Easter.

This month, there is a “huge demand for chocolate and fruit” for , which is why they take extra care to create fresh dipped strawberries and chocolate covered cherries this time of year, the owner said.

The Happy Art of Candy-Making

Hilliards is a happy business. People come to the stores to buy gifts or to treat themselves and the candy-making process is interesting as well.

“There is nothing boring about it,” Hilliard McCarthy said. When people come in for tours, they are amazed at what goes on behind the scenes at the house of candy. “They have no idea how much goes into it.”

With the huge variety Hilliards offers, there are many different things to know, and the process is detail-oriented. Hilliard McCarthy remembers growing up around candy-making. “We have been doing it so long, it comes easy.”

While much of what her grandparents did has been preserved, Hilliard McCarthy keeps up with the changing times, adding new products. New and old, all of it tastes sweet.

Hilliard’s House of Candy is located at 95 Washington Street in the Village Shoppes.