Historic Binghamton Peanut Roaster Gets a New Owner

Some of the original equipment that's been used at an iconic downtown Binghamton nut shop has been acquired by another local business.

Steve Cruty, who operates Fuddy Duddy's Confectionary in Owego with his wife, told WNBF News that he has obtained the Planters peanut roaster from M&D-R-Nuts on Court Street.

Operations are winding down at the shop that's been a fixture on Court Street for nearly nine decades.

Cruty told WNBF News that he previously had advised David Bradstreet, the store owner, that he would be interested in acquiring the roaster if he ever decided to close the shop.

A few days ago, Cruty picked up the historic roaster and a few other items from M&D-R-Nuts. He said transporting the heavy cast iron roaster from Binghamton posed a bit of a challenge. He estimated the weight of the roaster at between 500 and 600 pounds.

The equipment is to be used in a new facility planned for Front Street in Owego. Cruty early last year announced a project to develop "an immersive confectionary experience" in a couple of buildings located just east of the Court Street bridge in the village.

$1.8 million state grant will help to finance the planned complex, which will be located a short distance from the existing Fuddy Duddy's store operated by Cruty and his wife, Kim, on Lake Street.

Cruty said there've been "a few setbacks" in developing the new site but the current goal is to have the store open in the first quarter of next year.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.