The Greater St. Louis Restaurant Association has named Crown Candy Kitchen owner Andy Karandzieff as its 2025 Restaurateur of the Year, with Meridian Supply also recognized as Company of the Year.
Karandzieff, whose family has operated Crown Candy Kitchen since 1913, said the honor came as a surprise. “We are honored and humbled to receive this award and quite surprised,” he said. “I’m just a guy scooping ice cream in North St. Louis doing what I can to keep my family legacy continuing for the foreseeable future.”
The century-old soda fountain and diner has long been a fixture in the Old North neighborhood, earning a loyal following for its malts, BLTs and commitment to consistency across generations. Karandzieff credited the recognition to the family members who built and sustained the business before him…