Jolly Ranchers started in 1949 in Golden, Colorado. The company was founded by Bill and Dorothy Harmsen, who originally ran an ice cream shop. They chose the name “Jolly Rancher” to create a friendly, welcoming Western image — something that felt wholesome and neighbourly.
To help keep business steady during colder months, the Harmsens began selling hard candies alongside their ice cream. These candies quickly became popular because of their strong fruit flavors and long-lasting taste.
Soon, candy sales were doing so well that the company shifted its focus away from ice cream entirely.
