The GooGoo Cluster Was Invented Here In Tennessee, And You Can Grab One From The Original GooGoo Shop In Nashville
By Chris Dodge|Published August 16, 2022
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
We have a lot in our state to be proud of. Between the natural beauty and the remarkable human history, we could go on and on with all of the things that make us proud to be in Tennessee. Another reason to be beaming with pride is found in a little shop in Nashville that produced the original GooGoo Cluster!
The story of the GooGoo Cluster all starts back in 1912.
This wonderful little chocolate treat was the first-ever combination candy bar. While most candy makers used one ingredient to make their chocolate bars, the GooGoo Cluster has four.
Just like the candy itself, the process of making this snack was a joint effort of two men, Mr. Howell Campbell Sr., and Mr. Porter Moore.
The novel ingredients in the classic candy were caramel, marshmallows, and roasted peanuts all combined together in a roundish mound and covered in chocolate.
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The simple flavor and texture combination of this candy made it an instant hit.
The ingredients never changed, but the packaging has. These little roundish mounds make wrapping difficult, so they were mostly sold out of glass cases in the early years. Now you will see individually-wrapped treats on store shelves.
He explained that he made a new candy and was struggling to come up with a name, it wasn't till he spoke with a schoolteacher that the name struck him. He was telling her that his son had just said his first words "goo goo," to which the brilliant teacher replied, "That is what you should call your candy" - and so the name GooGoo Cluster was created.
Now fast forward to today and that same GooGoo Cluster can be experienced.
Head on over to the GooGoo Shop in Nashville and you will be greeted with a lively and fun atmosphere fitting for the first combination candy. Several options of this treat are available for you to enjoy plus fun souvenirs.
If you time your visit right, you can even join in on one of the classes the store offers.
Make your own GooGoo Cluster by hand and experience what it is like to be a real chocolatier. Or design your own GooGoo Cluster at the kiosks in the store and watch them make it for you. The GooGoo Shop is filled with chocolatey goodness.
When you find yourself in the heart of Nashville, make sure to spend some time at the GooGoo Shop. It is home to the original GooGoo Cluster and a great place to experience this treat that’s unlike any other. To plan your trip and learn more about the in-store classes, please visit the GooGoo Cluster website.
