Isaac and Seneca Mayes grew up with Queen Bee Gardens candy in Lovell, Wyoming. They have lived in Star Valley for the past eight years. During that time, they have been in contact with owners of Queen Bee Gardens to bring a store to Star Valley. The couple was recently given the opportunity to buy into the business and own and operate their own storefront on Main Street in Afton.
Queen Bee Gardens originally started by Bessie Zeller in 1976 with raising and harvesting honey, which led them into creating traditional Scottish candy. “So, our first candy, The Pecan Praline [now named the Pecan Pearl], was invented in 1976. It’s still our number one seller,” said Isaac. “It’s always been a family-run business and has just recently become more commercial.”
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Raw honey can be purchased by the pound. It is kept at 90 degrees Fahrenheit for the “honey-on-demand” to pour into containers for customers. Containers are provided, but customers may also bring in their own containers with lids to be filled. Candy from Queen Bee Garden is 65% honey, with no other sweeteners, dyes, or gluten added.
The store is packed with products including 25 varieties of caramels along with truffles, almond bark, chocolate, and much more. Of course, the store also features flavored whipped honeys including caramel, huckleberry, berry, peanut butter and more. With many people asking what the store sells, Isaac and Seneca share that there really is too much to name. “It’s so hard to make a list of what we actually carry.”
It’s not just honey and sweets that’s sold at Queen Bee Gardens. “We take our beeswax and we make our own candles out of it. Those candles actually help purify the air.” The store also has BBQ sauces, all sweetened with Wyoming honey.
The Mayes are currently at 422 South Washington Street in Afton, but hope to bring their products to other businesses and shops throughout Star Valley. “Hopefully you’ll start seeing our candy in different stores,” said Isaac.
Seneca said they hope to eventually extend their store hours, but will begin with being open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 7 p.m. People are also encouraged to follow Queen Bee Gardens-Afton on Facebook and Instagram.
As the Mayes settle into their new storefront, they say their focus remains on sharing Wyoming-made honey products with the Star Valley community. From handcrafted candies to raw honey on tap, the couple says the best way to understand Queen Bee Gardens is to visit in person. “You’re really gonna have to come in and see the store,” Isaac said.
