Feb. 16, 2023

A freeze-dried candy business has relocated to Sioux City but will continue to serve its growing retail base in Sioux Falls, including a couple of Hy-Vee stores.

Justin Burkett and Monic Marquez-Burkett started Burkett’s Freeze Dried Treats late last year after buying a freeze dryer as part of a health kick. Marquez-Burkett saw social media videos about freeze-drying candy, and the use of the equipment took a 360-degree turn.

They started selling candies like Skittles and Jolly Ranchers, and have created treats from scratch, including peanut brittle. The candies turn into much larger treats that have the texture similar to a cheese puff. Other popular brand-name treats that they freeze-dry include Milk Duds and Carmel Apple Pops.

“It’s been nonstop,” Justin Burkett said of freeze-drying the candy, stocking shelves and finding new retail locations. “It’s just been growing and growing.”

Burkett’s sets up candy stands for free in businesses and gives owners a portion of sales. The couple signed on with Hy-Vee on East 10th Street just before deciding in January to move to Sioux City, where they have family. They recently added the grocery store at 49th Street and Louise Avenue, and starting Friday, Burkett’s Freeze Dried Treats will be in two of the four Hy-Vee stores in the Sioux City area.

Other retail outlets in Sioux Falls include Thunder Road, Gift & Thrift, Chef Ellen, The Gas Barrel, Giving Hope Bingo, Westside Glass Emporium and The Hive by Westside.

Burkett has talked with Lewis Drug and is trying to get into movie theaters.

“I let them keep $1 per bag,” he said of the partnership with retailers. “I don’t think there’s anyone who can say that they make $1 per bag of candy that they have at their store.”

They also sell treats online.

To keep up with the business’ growth, Burkett and Marquez-Burkett both work at it full time.

“Right now, we’re getting to the point where we don’t have much time to do any experimentation,” Burkett said. “We’re definitely looking to scale the operation and work on that. … The possibilities are endless.”

This year, the couple will donate 5 percent of all sales to nonprofit organizations and will ask customers for recommendations.

“We’re looking to give back to the community,” Burkett said.

They donated candy to the kids at Sanford Children’s Hospital for Christmas and were part of an American Heart Association fundraiser at Avera Heart Hospital earlier this month.

Follow the business on Facebook for updates on locations and treats.