Our Story

When Chuck Van Veen was working in the farm equipment business, he gave samples of his mother’s peanut brittle to some of his customers. The candy became so popular that Chuck’s mother finally told him that she couldn’t keep up and he would have to start making his own! Fortunately, Chuck took his mother’s advice. The Van Veen family’s secret recipes were passed on, and from that humble beginning, a new business and many more great treats were eventually born.

In 1997 Chuck began selling his peanut brittle at craft shows. He opened his store at 621 Franklin Street in May of 2002, just in time to be mobbed by Pella’s Tulip Time guests! His wife Jill could be found assisting him, and his mother, whose innocent suggestions started everything, helped out on occasion as well.

Since then, the Van Veens have closed to store and moved shop to their home in Pella, IA where they make goodies daily.  Feel free to call them to order and pick up locally, or to have them shipped.

Specialties include peanut brittle, hand-wrapped caramels, pecan stukjes, turtle eggs, and toffee. The chocolates are all made fresh daily. There are always free samples of candy for customers. Jill and Chuck’s motto is to always keep the customer happy – and it must be working! You will seldom see anyone walk out of Van Veen Chocolates without a smile on their face, and some goodies in their hands.