Sue began her candy journey as child, first making toffee with her beloved grandmother from whom she received many lessons, not just about candy making. As a realist, she continued to make toffee for friends and family purely for enjoyment as her family grew, while working for banks, orthodontists, and everything in-between.

Her toffee reached cult-levels of appeal via her two sons bringing the product to high school, trading for items like Gatorade, Uncrustables, pizza and even the occasional homework assignment. Petaluma High School and their sports teams knew about Sue’s toffee far before she founded the company.

Of course, Sue also brought toffee to her work frequently, as nothing more than a kind gesture. Then, she was asked by her employer to make toffee for referring businesses as a thank you, and to make toffee wedding favors for a friend.  This is when seedlings for Petaluma Toffee Company were planted.

Once her sons were far away in college, she spoke with her husband about following a dream and taking a chance.  She had three months of vacation and pay saved, and gave herself those three months to be in the black or go back to the outside business world again.  Her husband, Steve, supported her dream 100%.  

She began cooking, taking her product to small shops in Petaluma, leaving samples with a business card, hoping for a call back and at best, a sale worth no more than $10.  Petaluma is an amazing and supportive community, and suddenly, this business began to blossom.

After finding success in town, she expanded, developing a network of vendors throughout Sonoma County. She decided this product must be made with the finest ingredients and as locally sourced as possible.  The chocolate is from Guittard Chocolate Company, a family owned business based in the Bay Area.  The almonds are from Alldrin Brothers Almonds, a family owned business in Oakdale, Ca.  

Now, it’s time to expand online. Everyone deserves a delicious, homemade treat once in a while. Petaluma Toffee Company is here to provide exactly that.

 Thank you for everything.