Brandini Toffee: Palm Springs' Sweet Success Story

Starting a business takes guts, grit, and relentless drive. Growing it into a nationally recognized brand, while keeping its roots in a small desert city, is even more impressive. Brandini Toffee, a beloved sweet shop born in Palm Springs, is a prime example of how passion, community support, and a perfect product can lead to sweet success.

While many locals know the origin story of this confectionery powerhouse, first-time visitors to Palm Springs may not know that this internationally loved toffee brand began in a humble home kitchen. We caught up with co-founder Brandon Weimer to hear more about how it all began—and why Brandini Toffee remains a Palm Springs must-try treat.

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A High School Dream and a Trip to Italy

The Brandini Toffee story began in 2006 when best friends Brandon Weimer and Leah Post were fundraising for a high school class trip to Italy. The teens decided to make and sell homemade toffee to raise the money—and it worked. They quickly exceeded their goal and discovered they had created more than a travel fund. They had a winning recipe.

Their buttery, crunchy, sweet-salty almond toffee quickly became a hit among family, friends, and the local community. What began as a school fundraiser soon transformed into a full-fledged business with a growing fan base.

Brandini Toffee – Simply the best

Handcrafted Toffee Made in Palm Springs

Today, Brandini Toffee is a nationally recognized brand, but its heart remains in Palm Springs. The flagship store, located at 132 S. Palm Canyon Drive, offers a full line of handcrafted toffee treats, including:

Toffee Popcorn
Toffee Milkshakes
Almond Toffee Bars
Toffee Bits for Baking
Toffee Ice Cream Toppers
Toffee-Crusted Ice Cream Bars

Everything is made with premium ingredients, including California almonds, real butter, and decadent dark chocolate. Every batch is handmade in small quantities to ensure the perfect crunch and flavor.

“Our hometown is where Brandini Toffee all started,” says Weimer. “Palm Springs will always get credit for supporting our mission since day one.”

A Favorite of Locals and Visitors Alike

Palm Springs locals have embraced Brandini Toffee as their own—and many proudly bring visiting friends and family to the shop. Over the years, this word-of-mouth marketing has become one of the company’s most valuable assets.

“The tourist market has been huge for our company,” explains Weimer. “We do very little advertising and rely on people within the community—hotels, restaurants, and return visitors—to spread the word. Brandini Toffee is a must-try and must-buy when visiting Palm Springs.”

The team is especially proud of how the company has grown without relying heavily on outside investment or traditional marketing. “We’ve built Brandini on quality, relationships, and community support,” Weimer adds.

Bandini bar

Making Toffee in the Desert? It’s Complicated

Palm Springs may be known for its sunshine and desert heat, but for a chocolate and toffee company, that climate presents a unique set of challenges.

“We joke that being a chocolate company in the middle of the desert is almost an oxymoron,” says Weimer. “Shipping during summer months is tricky. We’ve had to get creative with packaging, logistics, and customer communication.”

Despite the hurdles, Brandini Toffee has continued to expand. In addition to the downtown Palm Springs shop, they now have locations in Rancho Mirage, Los Angeles, and even a factory and store in La Quinta, where visitors can see how the toffee is made. Their products are also available online and shipped nationwide.

Brandini Toffee

Sweet Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

As someone who started a successful business before graduating high school, Weimer is often asked for advice by aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Running a business is never easy, but it is rewarding,” he says. “I think it takes a good idea and hard work. Passion should be your fuel—it’s what gets you through the tough times. Don’t worry about knowing everything; just know how to find the answers. Ask questions. Leverage Google. The resources are there if you’re willing to learn.”

Try It for Yourself

If you haven’t yet indulged in Brandini’s iconic almond toffee—with its silky chocolate layer and signature crunch—be warned: it’s highly addictive. Whether you’re picking up a gift, satisfying a sweet tooth, or just want a locally made souvenir, a visit to Brandini Toffee is a must-do in Palm Springs.