Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Piper’s Grocery and Homemade Candies

RED OAK, IOWA - U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Piper's Grocery and Homemade Candies of Lucas County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties.

"Piper's Grocery and Homemade Candies has sweetened the Chariton community for more than 120 years, preserving generations of tradition that make Iowans keep coming back," said Chair Ernst. "From handmade candies crafted with time-tested recipes to locally made products that support surrounding shops, Jill and her team have maintained a business that is truly a treat for Chariton."

Piper's first opened in downtown Chariton in 1905 when Joe L. Piper began serving the community with fresh meats, bread, and everyday essentials. His son, Bob, later took over the business and introduced homemade candies using recipes and techniques that are still used today. After longtime employees Anne and Jim Kerns purchased Piper's in the 1980s, their daughter, Jill Kerns, took ownership in 1988. Today, Jill and her team continue making Piper's famous candies in small batches while offering deli meats and cheeses, fresh sandwiches, groceries, Iowa-made foods, and locally crafted products.

Stay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.

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