Gypsy Road Trip

America’s Favorite Caramel Apple

Tastee Apple has been making caramel and chocolate apples since 1974. That’s 50 years of delicious apples being made locally in the small, historic village of Newcomerstown, Ohio at a family owned and operated business started by John Hackenbracht and his son, Greg.

Hackenbracht Orchard was the beginning of it all. John not only owned the orchard but from 1958 to 1976 was manager of the Ohio Fruit Growers so was quite familiar with apples. Son Greg grew up surrounded by 4,000 apple and peach trees so he lived, breathed, and ate fruit growing up. He smiles when recalling, “I always knew what a good apple was supposed to be.”

The seed for a caramel apple business was planted in the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until Greg graduated from high school in 1973 that the idea seriously took root. Very few jobs were available at that time and college money was in short supply. John had the perfect solution!

They would start the caramel apple business they had been dreaming about. Greg could work there for six months out of the year and go to college the other six. Tastee Apple, Inc. was officially born!

It all began with one caramel machine and Greg’s personal caramel recipe, which is still used to this day because its smooth taste can’t be beat. That’s why Tastee Apples are called America’s Favorite Caramel Apple. That first year, they made 50,000 dozen caramel apples. Today, they make 50,000 dozen in four days!

Once Greg received his Bachelor Of Science in Marketing/Marketing Management from Bowling Green State University in 1979, he joined Tastee Apple on a full-time basis. During those early years at the plant, Greg worked long hours, seven days a week. Often during the busy season, he fell asleep in a chair at the plant.

John passed away in 2007 knowing that he was leaving the continuation of his legacy in the capable hands of his son, Greg. The family hopes to continue this family tradition of quality products and working conditions for many years to come.

Today Tastee Apple continues in the capable hands of a third generation, Greg’s son Chad, who carries on the family tradition after Greg’s retirement in 2022. Prior to returning to the business, Chad enjoyed racing and was a NASCAR champion.

Today Tastee Apple has 15 full-time employees working all year. However, during the busy apple season from August – October, they employ from 100-160. They treat everyone with kindness, just like they would like to be treated.

Over the last 40 years, Tastee has sold over 250,000,000 apples with candy, chocolate, caramel, and other toppings. This is the only company in the industry certified by the Safe Quality Food Institute. All their apples go through a unique, seven-step rating process to guarantee the quality and freshness of the fruit.

Then perfectly ripe apples are ‘sticked’ and dipped in made from scratch, small batch, kettle cooked caramel or a candy coating. Once cool, they are rolled in gooey toppings like milk, dark, or white chocolate, and then rolled in peanuts, pecans, cookies, or pretzels. The apples are then carefully packaged, stored, and shipped to stores throughout the United States.

The East Coast is a popular area for their Tastee Apples and New York City has long been a big supporter. Locally, their apples can be found at Walmart and Myers. They also make them for Giant Eagle under a private label.

The Hackenbracht family likes to try new things and over the years have made apple chips, potato chips, sweet potato chips, popcorn balls, and even apple cider. But the Caramel Apple has stood the test of time as a favorite. They have seen a large increase in requests for their Gourmet Apples.

Every year they come up with some new ideas for their delicious apple treats. This year they have designed Apple Pops, which are just the right size to be convenient for a snack and they are themed for every holiday. A Mystery Box has also been developed that holds a variety of their popular treats.

Tastee Apple sells apples with caramel, candy, chocolate, and other toppings. No apple gets the Tastee label unless it is perfect. Those that don’t meet their standards are sold at the plant as “seconds” if the caramel doesn’t cover evenly or the stick isn’t straight!

Tastee Apple, Inc. is located at 60810 Co. Rd. 9, Newcomerstown on the banks of the Tuscarawas River. Bite into a nutritious, mouthwatering Tastee Apple soon. You might want just a slice as their gourmet apples are very large!

Having a successful Tastee Apple business for 50 years shows that the Hackenbracht family knows a good apple when they see one.