The Picnic Basket

The Picnic Basket was conceived in 1985 by Wayne and Barbara Schwietert. They had no prior experience in business, but were able to apply the dedication and commitment learned in their prior trades as a forester and homemaker to turn The Picnic Basket into what it is today. Wayne took on the task of managing merchandise and creating fresh fudge, while Barbara oversaw the staff. The business quickly grew, allowing the Schwieterts to acquire the floor space of two other shops over the next four years. They used these to add a gift shop to their offerings. As their children grew, the shop became a family operation. Their kids, Kris, DiAnn and Kevin, worked all through their teens. It was their youngest son, Jeff, however, who kept up the family legacy long after the other children had moved on. Only two at the time of the store's creation, he now takes on most of the store's responsibilities, including the creation of the Basket's signature fudge, once crafted by Wayne.Several additions followed, including a second store in 2004, located in Rockaway Beach, OR. In 2007, the Cannon Beach store was able to relocate to a larger, more prominent location on the town's main street. Today, The Picnic Basket is a signature of Cannon Beach with customers who've been returning for decades or more. Boasting 94 flavors of taffy, 24 kinds of fudge, and 32 unique types of Tillamook ice cream, the Basket welcomes you to visit and take part in its legacy.