Donckers Candy Kitchen Spotlight: Marquette, Michigan

Some businesses earn their reputation over decades. Donckers has been earning its for over 125 years.

Located at 137 W Washington Street in the heart of downtown Marquette, Donckers Candy Kitchen is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most beloved institutions. Founded in 1896 by Fred Donckers, a determined entrepreneur known for exceptional customer service and premium ingredients, the shop has been delighting locals and visitors alike for generations.

Walking into Donckers is like stepping into a sweeter version of Michigan history. The candy shop is filled with signature handcrafted caramels, fair trade chocolate, truffles, retro candy, and their famous fudge. Everything is made in-house, including their chocolate dipped pretzels and artisan caramel collections. They ship their chocolates and caramels across the country, bringing a little piece of the Upper Peninsula to doorsteps everywhere.

But Donckers is more than a candy shop. Their restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu full of bold flavor combinations and what many locals call the best mac and cheese in the UP. The space blends old school charm with genuine hospitality, the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name and first time visitors feel immediately at home.

Open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 8 AM to 4 PM, Donckers is a destination worth building your trip around. If you cannot make the trip, their online shop at donckersrestaurant.com ships nationwide.

Michigan Small Business Spotlight is proud to feature Donckers Candy Kitchen as an example of what it looks like when a small business dedicates itself to quality and community for over a century.