Meet The Makers: Jose

old mill maker jose operating the taffy pulling machine

At The Old Mill, we believe tradition isn’t something you look at, it’s something you live. And for our makers, each day is a chance to carry forward the time-tested skills that define us. We call it Mill Made, a way of making things with heart, by hand, and with a deep respect for where we come from.

Whether it’s turning grains into grits, clay into dinnerware, or fresh-picked fruit into jam, our makers transform the ordinary into the unforgettable. We’re proud to introduce you to the people behind the craft, those who put soul into every scoop, slice, and sip.

Meet Jose, Taffy Maker

Inside The Old Mill Candy Kitchen, the air is sweet and the show is always on. At the center of it is Jose, pulling and twisting taffy the old-fashioned way.

Using machines built more than a century ago, Jose creates candy that’s not just delicious, it’s mesmerizing. Kids press their noses to the glass to watch the rhythm of the puller, the stretch of the sugar, the blur of the wrapper.

Jose doesn’t just make taffy, he performs it. But behind the fun is serious craftsmanship. Timing, texture, and temperature all matter, and Jose knows just how to bring it all together.

His work is a reminder that joy can be handmade, and that the best sweets come with a story.

Jose is one of many whose hands shape what we do and who we are. Each maker at The Old Mill brings with them not only skill, but also soul, a commitment to keeping traditions alive and well in our community.

Stay tuned for more stories in our Meet the Makers series. Because at The Old Mill, every bite, every brushstroke, and every batch starts with someone who cares deeply about getting it just right.

Mill Made. Right here in Pigeon Forge.

Meet The MakersFresh