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Many sons seek to emulate their patriarchs, and John Lerro fulfilled his desire to do so, working with his father, Pasquale, as second- and third-generation overseers of Lerro Candy Co., 2434 S. Broad St. With his deceased dad on his mind each day, the businessman approaches the making of their shared passion as a labor of love, and his loyal patrons showed how competently he has handled his duty by voting the Marconi location South Philly’s top candy store.
“I was always content with being the boss’ son,” Lerro said. “I’ve been around this all my life, and since I’ve been heading operations, I’ve wanted even more to take care of our customers.”
His grandparents, Giovanni and Anna, began peddling homemade candy and ice cream in 1912 at 15th and Shunk streets and bought the entity’s current address four years later. Candy came to dominate in ’60, 10 years after the company started wholesale distribution, and allows for Lerro to ship his 50 types of goodies all over the country. No matter the zip code, patrons love his almond butter crunches, chocolate pretzels and Easter eggs most.
“We tried different things, but we prefer to fall back on our staples,” Lerro said.
As his location nears its centennial, Lerro sees the readers’ backing as a sign that he has a loving extended family.
“When I look back, the loyalty amazes me, so I say thank you,” he said.
Nuts to You chewed on second place, and Sweet Tooth looked yummy in third.
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: Gravy/sauce
Geno’s Steaks: French fries / cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
Johnny Chang’s: Sushi
Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef: Roast beef sandwich
City Pizza: Pizza toppings
Green Eggs Café: Sunday brunch
Penrose Diner: Waffles
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Business luncheon/banquet
FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria: Romantic outing
Ristorante Pesto: Italian restaurant
Cantina Los Cabalitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Noir: New restaurant
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli (tie)
Potito’s Bakery: Cannoli (tie) / cupcakes
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Lerro’s Candy Co.: Candy store
Staying Active
DanceAdelphia: Dance studio
Girard Academic Music Program: Music program
Marconi Plaza: Place to walk your dog
Stickball: Schoolyard/street game
Guerin Recreation Center: Recreation Center
Wake Up Yoga: Place to take a yoga class
Places
East Passyunk Avenue: Neighborhood
Pennsylvania Burial Co.: Funeral home
Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: School
St. Monica: Church
Ten Pennies: Florist
Chickie’s and Pete’s: Place to enjoy a game
Sports
Frank Natale: High school coach
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School Saints: High school team
Citizens Bank Park: Pro sports venue
Chase Utley: Current Philly pro athlete
Ed Snider: Philly pro sports owner
And the Rest
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Councilman Mark Squilla: Politician
Social Scene: South Philly Review section
Disc jockey: Category not on this list
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