Manic Maker
The Manic Maker started as a simple idea — take the treats people already love and turn them into something completely unexpected.
The
Meet
We’re Jon and Dana, and together with our three boys — and the memory of our son Tanner — we’re the family behind The Manic Maker.
Located in the heart of Fort Erie’s beautiful Bridgeburg District, The Manic Maker is proud to be Niagara’s first brick-and-mortar freeze-dried candy shop. What started as a small idea after years of caregiving has grown into something much bigger — a place built on resilience, creativity, and community.
Since 2022, we’ve been creating fun, flavorful, and seriously crunchy freeze-dried treats in our licensed and inspected facility right here in-store. Everything we sell is processed in-house with a strong focus on quality, safety, and consistency — no drop shipping, no shortcuts. What you see is what we make.
With more than 100 freeze-dried products to choose from, our shop offers something for every kind of snacker, from sweet and fruity to bold, fun, and unexpected.
As a proudly Canadian small business, we care deeply about creating products people get excited about and building something meaningful in our local community. The Manic Maker is more than a candy shop — it’s a place to stop in, treat yourself, and enjoy something a little different.
But the experience doesn’t stop at freeze-dried treats.
We also offer a full café menu with premium hot and cold beverages, including lattes, espresso, hot cocoa, nitro cold brew, matcha, and lightly caffeinated refreshers. We proudly carry local favourites and are official wholesalers for Donut Depot, Hometown Bagels and Crystal Beach Candy. Our dessert case is carefully curated with something for every palate.
Whether you’re here for a sugary adventure, your afternoon coffee, or a cozy spot to unwind, we’d love to welcome you in. Grab a drink, pick out a snack, enjoy our seasonal patio, or take a stroll down to the Niagara Parkway and Niagara River.
The Manic Maker is Fort Erie’s cozy corner for coffee, treats, and a little bit of magic — built with heart, and in honour of Tanner.
The Manic Maker
the creation of the manic maker
our brand story
today
2024
December 2023
March 2023
2021
2017
The Manic Maker has gained recognition with front-page features in the The Buffalo News and the Fort Erie Observer, a Chamber of Commerce Business Award, and over $2,000 raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities in honour of Tanner’s 30th birthday.
Evolved into a full breakfast, brunch, and lunch café — becoming a cozy community hub for Bridgeburg.
Officially opened the current space — combining freeze-dried candy, coffee, and local favourites.
Opened a 400 sq ft storefront at 102 Jarvis Street, marking the official beginning of the business.
Began selling handmade resin jewellery at local markets and received her first freeze dryer — the spark that changed everything.
Moved to Fort Erie after Tanner’s passing, with a quiet intuition that one day she’d open a shop on Central Avenue.
visit us at
26 Jarvis St,
Fort Erie
Stop by and experience The Manic Maker in person at 26 Jarvis St in the heart of Fort Erie’s Bridgeburg District. Whether you’re craving something sweet, a great coffee, or just a fun local spot to unwind, we’ve got you covered. Come in, explore, and see what makes this place a destination—not just a stop.
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