Close out of Goo-gle — here’s how the nation’s first combination candy bar, the Goo Goo Cluster, got its start right here in Nashville.
Bite into the backstory
Anchor Candy Company, now the Standard Candy Company and maker of the Goo Goo, was founded by Howell Campbell Sr. in 1901. While the Cluster wasn’t the local manufacturer’s only offering — Belle Camp fine chocolates, marshmallows, and suckers were also available — it quickly became the most popular.
The Goo Goo Cluster was created in 1912 and was the brainchild of Campbell and his plant superintendent, Porter Moore. The pair mixed caramel, marshmallow, and peanuts before dipping the combination into milk chocolate. Prior to this, candy bars consisted of a single ingredient, making the Goo Goo Cluster a first-of-its-kind creation.
Nailing down the name
Standard Candy Company entered a longtime partnership with the Grand Ole Opry in 1968. Fans might remember hearing Opry stars singing, “Go get a Goo Goo... it’s good.” Despite the similarity, “GOO” does not stand for Grand Ole Opry, which formed 13 years after the candy’s debut.
Instead, it came from a conversation on the streetcar. Campbell told his fellow passengers about his new, yet-to-be-named candy. Later, a teacher asked about his son. Campbell shared his first words, “goo goo,” to which the teacher suggested that should become the Cluster’s moniker. Its first slogan followed: “Goo Goo! It’s so good, people will ask for it from birth.”
Flash forward
The 112-year-old business is celebrating 10 years of its downtown Nashville storefront in October, which was renovated “Willy Wonka"-style in 2021.
What began with the original Goo Goo and expanded to offer the Supreme with pecans (1982) and Peanut Butter (1991), now also includes five premium Goo Goos. Don’t miss: Special collaborations, like Frothy Monkey and Elliston Place Soda Shop.
Want to get in on the action? In addition to the store’s “design your own confection” kiosks, you have the option to take three classes. Bonus: Follow us on Instagram @thenashtoday because we’ll be sharing our experience from the Taste of Goo Goo class.
