Guest Blogger: Andy Karandzieff

From time to time, Mayor Slay will share this space with a guest. This item is by Crown Candy Kitchen owner Andy Karandzieff.

Crown Candy Kitchen. Some people call us an institution; others, a landmark in north St.Louis city. But, to me, we are just another family business that is working hard at being successful that I too often take for granted.

Nearly a century ago, my grandfather Harry Karandzieff (a Macedonian Greek immigrant) opened the store and began working long hours to be a success and to make a better life for his family. In the late forties, my grandfather passed the business and his work ethic on to my father who then did the same thing worked six days a week, 14 hours a day ' all so my brothers and I could have a better life.

Now, here I am working 5-6 days a week, 12-14 hours a day, to keep this business successful. Some times it feels like a burden to put these hours in and for that I am ashamed. But, most of the time, I realize my grandfather and my father did give us a better life and I am proud to be a part of the American dream.

I think the city is full of these stories and that is part of what makes St. Louis such a great and diverse city. Whether it's a new business on its way to its first decade of success or an institution like ours, I believe that is the heart and soul of our great city.

Thanks, Dad, for my American dream. I miss you. And I love you

Andy Karandzieff