Lufkin lies in the heart of the East Texas Timberlands region and serves as head- quarters for the Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine and Sam Houston National Forests. The city is distinguished in the timber industry, as displayed at the Texas Forestry Museum, but Lufkin is also the home to Brookshire Brothers grocery stores, and, more recently, the 2017 Little League team that was runner-up to Japan at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Penn., in August 2017. Oh — and did we mention Chick-O-Sticks? The product of Atkinson Candy, Chick-O-Sticks were originally introduced as Chicken Bones, but the name changed to Chick- O-Sticks because another company already owned the name.
B.E. and Mabel Atkinson started their business in 1932 to support their family through the Depression. Mabel’s Peanut Butter Bar is made today using the same ingredients in the original recipe, as are other novel treats such as Mint Twists, Rainbow Coconut Bars and a variety of peanut brittles. But the peculiarly named Chick-O- Stick remains an all-time favorite of children and adults alike.
The honeycombed candies filled with peanut butter and rolled in toasted coconut are among
the most popular items manufactured at the family owned company in Lufkin, where they’ve been turning out classic confections for more than 80 years.
Nothing beats a full- sized Long Boy or Black Cow bar, but Atkinson Candy built its reputation on the bite-sized, penny candy varieties available in stores nationwide or online. However, if you’re in the area, stop by their retail store located inside the Lufkin factory where the fresh candies come straight from the kitchen. Sweet!
