Whatever Happened to Criterion Candies?

When I was growing up on the Jersey Shore, every boardwalk had a candy store called Criterion Candies. They were wonderful, old-fashioned candy shops, kind of like a Fannie Farmer, but always located along the beach.

The experience of walking into one was wonderful. Of course, you were coming right off the beach, sun in your eyes, hot and sandy. You stepped in onto a soft multicolored carpet. It was "Cool Inside!" (Air Conditioning -- not so common then!) and the air had the heady rich smell of chocolate. Arrayed around the room on low stands were boxes of fudge and salt water taffy. Behind the glass counters were classic chocolate confections.

I moved away from NJ in 1995. The last Criterion I saw was, I believe, in Cape May about that year. Are they still around, anywhere? It would be great to find them again.

Good News! Criterion still exists! Visit www.criterionchocolates.com

They're the best! I used to visit their boardwalk location in Asbury Park back in the day.