09/15/2026
We love continuing to give teens and families in North Manchester a place for a treat or to play a game with friends.
Remember Louie's Candy Kitchen at 131 East Main St. in North Manchester? It was a popular hangout for teens for years. In 1911, 131 E. Main St. was the home of the Belsito Candy kitchen and Soda Fountain run by Peter and Joe Belsito. Peter’s brother-in-law, louis Longo, worked for them. In 1928, Belsito sold the store to Jerome Soliday who opened the Soliday Candy kitchen. But it reverted back to Belsito. In 1943, Louie (1914-2004) and Alexis (1913-2003) Longo purchased the store. At first they lived above the store. At the close of the store (2003), at 90 years of age, Louie was still making his own ice cream and syrups. Alexis was particularly known for her hand-dipped milk chocolate candy. Emmilie Dewey recalls “I absolutely loved Louie and his wife. I can remember being barely tall enough to see over the counter, watching his wife make candy and dip pretzels. Still my favorite snack.” They also had a short order service such as sandwiches as well as fountain drinks. Aaron Max Bolinger remembers that “Louie also made great hot ham and cheese sandwiches.” Phyllis J Price says, “Oh yes, this was our hang-out as teen agers He remembered all our names. Even after we graduated He had a super mind We all loved him.” Lindemuth Fulwider adds I “Loved Louie’s. Our hang out with jukeboxes at each booth.” As did Missi Rager Walt who added “I loved that place and Louie and his wife! Wonderful memories for sure!” Mary Ann Bever continued with “Treasured memories of a very special place, and two very special people!” Laura DeLuca Meehan adds “he’s my family. I have one of the little bar stools that was in there. We would get to pick out candy and Louis would make us sundaes. He always called me Laurie. Good times. Pete Belsito was married to my Aunt Tessie.” Buford Baker remembers “Louie collected Indian Head pennies and had cigar boxes full of them. Later hear they were stolen.” Ron Friermood adds he “knew Louie and his wife well when I worked in N. Manchester, the nicest couple you would ever meet.” In 2003, the store was purchased by a young couple who wished to renovate the store. While undergoing renovations I was allowed to take pictures of the inside. It became Grand’s Ice Cream Shoppe serving Glover’s Ice Cream and Philadelphia Water Ice among many other sweet treats. Lastly, I think Louie and Alexis would be glad to know that teens once again enjoy hanging out there. Joseph Fox adds about Grand’s “I really like the ambience there. Went in Friday and had ice cream with my son while watching the MHS football game on TV. Guys playing card games at the same time.” The following pictures show some of the furnishings that Louie and Alexis used as I was allowed to go into the store as it was being remodeled (2015) and take pictures. Put Grand’s Ice Cream Shoppe on your list of places to visit one of these days. You will be glad that you did. Linda Lou
