MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minnesota's Largest Candy Store Owner Challenges Alcohol Licensing Charge, Temporarily Renames Landmark Business

Robert Wagner faces a gross misdemeanor allegation involving liquor-filled candy sold without a license. He disputes the state's interpretation of the law and has temporarily changed the store's name as the case moves toward a December court appearance.

JORDAN, MN (November 11, 2026).

The owner of Minnesota's Largest Candy Store is challenging a criminal charge alleging that his business sold alcohol-containing candy without the required license, arguing that he believed the products could legally be offered for sale.

Robert Wagner, 66, of Belle Plaine, faces one gross misdemeanor count of selling liquor without a license or permit.

The charge was filed in Scott County in October and became the subject of renewed public attention this week.

Wagner, whose brightly colored store along Highway 169 has become a familiar destination for Minnesota travelers, told FOX 9 on Tuesday that he disagrees with the allegation.

He has also temporarily renamed the business Minnesota's Most Wanted Candy Store, a reference to the legal dispute.

The case raises questions about how Minnesota regulates confectionery products containing alcohol and what licensing obligations apply to retailers selling them.

Investigation Began With an Anonymous Complaint

According to the criminal complaint summarized by MPR News, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division received an anonymous tip in July.

The complaint alleged that the store was selling liquor-filled candy and included an allegation that such products had been sold to a minor without an identification check.

Investigators subsequently determined that the store did not hold a license to sell alcoholic beverages.

Agents conducted an undercover operation and reported finding a section of the store containing candies and confections with alcohol.

Among the products allegedly purchased were chocolate-covered brandy cherries containing 7.3% brandy and chocolate with a whiskey syrup center containing 3.58% alcohol by volume.

Investigators also reported that some product packaging warned against sales to underage customers.

A search warrant was executed later that day.

The criminal complaint alleges that Wagner acknowledged the store did not have a liquor license but believed it was legally permitted to sell the products.

What Wagner Is Actually Charged With

An important distinction concerns the difference between the original complaint and the criminal charge.

The anonymous tip included an allegation involving a minor.

However, Wagner has not been charged in this case with selling alcohol to a minor.

The filed charge concerns selling liquor without a license or permit.

That distinction should not be obscured by the circumstances that initially prompted the investigation.

Prosecutors must establish the elements of the offense actually charged, and Wagner is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Owner Disputes the Allegation

In an interview with FOX 9 on November 10, Wagner said he believed he was operating within the law.

He argued that he would not have openly displayed the products if he thought their sale was illegal.

His comments indicate that the dispute may turn partly on the interpretation of laws governing alcohol-containing confectionery products.

The prosecution's position, as reflected in the complaint, is that the products required a liquor license.

Wagner disputes that interpretation.

The available reporting does not establish that a court has resolved the disagreement.

A Landmark Business Faces Legal Scrutiny

Minnesota's Largest Candy Store is known for its extensive selection of sweets and specialty food products.

Its location along Highway 169 between the Twin Cities and Mankato has made it a recognizable stop for motorists.

The criminal case has brought attention to a relatively specialized regulatory question.

Products sold as candy may contain alcohol in quantities that trigger licensing requirements.

Retailers therefore need to understand how state law classifies those products and whether exemptions or special rules apply.

The legal outcome could provide additional clarity, although the significance of any ruling will depend on the specific facts and statutory provisions involved.

December Court Appearance

Wagner's first court appearance is scheduled for December 18.

A gross misdemeanor conviction can carry penalties of up to 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

Those are maximum potential penalties, not a prediction of the outcome.

The case remains pending.

THE TAKEAWAY

Robert Wagner, owner of Minnesota's Largest Candy Store, faces one gross misdemeanor count alleging unlicensed sales of liquor-filled candy.

The investigation began with an anonymous complaint that also mentioned an alleged sale to a minor, but the filed criminal charge does not accuse Wagner of that separate offense.

Wagner disputes the state's interpretation of the law and has temporarily renamed the business while preparing for court.

The case remains unresolved, with an initial appearance scheduled for December 18.

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