Zitner's Fine Confections is making candy again, more than two years after its century-old North Philadelphia factory went quiet, with production of the beloved Butter Krak egg now underway at a new plant in Hatfield, Montgomery County. The company began production there in September, and its signature dark chocolate-covered egg is expected to reach Philadelphia-area grocery shelves in December, possibly before Christmas.
The comeback follows a rough stretch for the 1922 Kensington-born candy maker. Zitner's last manufactured candy at its old factory in summer 2024 and had to rely on an outside manufacturer for Easter 2025, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. The company then could not relocate in time for Easter 2026 at all, leaving its Butter Krak, Double Coconut, and Peanut Butter eggs missing from stores that season, as Lower Bucks Times reported at the time.
The fix came in the form of an acquisition. Zitner's acquired Hatfield chocolate maker Kargher Chocolate in March 2026.
A New Factory in Hatfield
Zitner's production is now underway at Kargher's Hatfield facility.
Zitner's moved into its former factory space sometime in the 1940s. The plant was near 17th and Clearfield Streets in North Philadelphia, and its aging building had become a liability.
Eggs by the Hundreds Per Minute
Zitner's is now producing eggs at the Hatfield plant. The company begins its Easter production cycle in October, making peanut butter, butter cream, coconut cream, double coconut, and Butter Krak eggs.
Prochniak said the recipes and ingredients used in Butter Krak have not changed, a point he also made to Lower Bucks Times earlier this year.
Preparing for Easter
Zitner's expects Butter Krak to reach Philadelphia-area grocery shelves in December, possibly before Christmas.
Prochniak credits loyal customers for the brand's staying power.
A Century of Butter Krak, Through Sugar Price Swings
Butter Krak dates to the 1930s and originally sold for a nickel. Today's version has a coconut and buttercream center coated in dark chocolate. The company traces its origins to Philadelphia in 1922. Prochniak, who bought Zitner's with partners in 2010, has been involved with the company for 15 years.
In March 2026, all listed products on Zitner's website showed out-of-stock notices, according to Lower Bucks Times.
