Salvatore Ferrara was
just 16 years old when he left his home in Nola, Italy in 1900 and emigrated to
the United States. He brought with him the art of Italian pastry making and confectionery,
skills which would eventually lead him to open the first Italian pastry and candy
shop on Taylor Street in Chicago's Little Italy. An instant success, he was recognized
throughout the city and suburbs for his fine pastries, wedding cakes and confections.
He
soon met and married Serafina Pagano and they labored together to provide Chicago
with wonderful desserts and candies. Through hard work and commitment to the use
of quality ingredients, they made a lasting name for themselves. Serafina, a dynamic
business personality and philanthropist, was loved by all who knew her and was
known as "The Angel of Halsted Street". She is still remembered today.
Eager
to meet new challenges, Salvatore put Serafina in charge of the bakery and concentrated
his efforts on expanding the candy business. With the help of his two brothers-in-law,
Salvatore Buffardi and Agnello Pagano, they launched the Ferrara Pan Candy Company,
now headquartered in Forest Park, Illinois. Still family owned and operated, the
company, which manufactures such favorites as Lemonheads and Atomic Fireballs,
distributes worldwide.
The third generation
of Ferraras proudly carries on the tradition of providing its customers with a
wide variety of delicious desserts of the highest quality. Ferrara's Signature
Italian Cannoli Cake has become a tradition for thousands, enjoyed through the
generations.
Just as Salvatore did when he began in 1908, we take extreme pride in preparing
our products with only the freshest and purest ingredients. We use the finest
imported spices and never any artificial flavorings or preservatives. Our products
will certainly add that elegant crowning touch that sets your wedding or special
event apart from the rest.
