In 1855, Christopher Miller settled in New Orleans and started the Miller Candy Company. After many successful years, Miller turned the company over to his son-in-law Augustus Elmer. Augustus changed the name to Elmer Miller Candy and moved to Magazine Street in New Orleans. Augustus’ five sons invented a new product — the cheese curl. The curls, which were originally manufactured and sold as corn curls, were eventually flavored with cheese and became a very big seller for the company. In 1936 the sales manager for Elmer’s, Morel M. Elmer, Sr., decided to hold a contest in New Orleans to give this successful product a name. The winning name Chee-Wees is still used today. In 1946 his son, Morel M. Elmer, Jr., decided to capitalize on the product’s success. He started a new company which eventually was named, Elmer's Fine Foods. Elmer's Fine Foods are currently produced in New Orleans, LA.
