JOLLY RANCHER Candy got its start in 1949 at the JOLLY RANCHER Company, founded by Bill and Dorothy Harmsen of Golden, Colorado. The happy name was chosen to let consumers know they were a friendly, western company. These hard candies joined The Hershey Company family in 1996. Since then, Hershey has introduced even more flavors and varieties, like lollipops, gummies and jelly beans!