How We Found Ourselves in ‘Licorice Pizza’ St Vals

Just like the dream of our company, which was born on Valentine’s Day in 1994, is the character Gary Valentine from Paul Thomas Anderson’s vibrant film, ‘Licorice Pizza’. As if winking at us across the multiverse, this character, set against the eclectic backdrop of 1970s Los Angeles, shares our namesake and navigates the world with a spirit uncannily akin to our entrepreneurial ethos. The striking parallel between our journey and Gary Valentine’s had us on the edge of our seats during our first viewing of this critically acclaimed film. We couldn’t help but feel a sense of cosmic connection to this cinematic masterpiece.

While our journey as a company has been full of ups and downs, just like Gary Valentine’s path to stardom in ‘Licorice Pizza’, we have always stayed true to our roots and never compromised on the quality of our products. Much like the film itself, this is why our company has garnered a loyal following and critical acclaim. We believe that just like Gary Valentine’s character, who hustles his way towards success in the competitive world of Hollywood, we, too, have hustled our way into the hearts of our customers with our delicious liquorice treats.

Join us as we delve into the parallels of our journey and the near-miss stardom that tied us to this critically acclaimed film.

History of Saint Valentine

Our journey as the Saint Valentine’s Liquorice Company has been filled with passion, hard work and, of course, lots of love. We started out as a small venture with a good idea, a few trusted friends, and much experimentation. Just a handful of employees turned the business into a unique brand, and over the years, we have grown into a successful business with loyal customers worldwide.

Erling McCracken

Every day at our company is a celebration of the rich, bold flavour of liquorice. This day allows us to reflect on our journey, filled with trials and victories. From crafting creative new flavours to broadening our assortment of products, every phase of our adventure has been driven by passion and dedication.

But more than just creating delicious liquorice treats, our company has always been about spreading love and joy through our products. Whether gifting a loved one on Valentine’s Day or simply enjoying a bag of liquorice on a lazy Sunday afternoon, our aim has always been to bring people together through the love of liquorice.

And just like Gary Valentine in ‘Licorice Pizza’, we, too, have had our share of close calls with fame. From almost landing a significant deal with a big-box retailer to having our products featured in popular magazines, we have come close to the spotlight but always remained true to our roots. 

As we continue to grow and expand, we are grateful for the love and support of our customers. Without you, none of this would be possible. So, we raise a bag of our finest liquorice to all of you who have been a part of our journey.

History of Licorice Pizza

Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza is a delightful comedy-drama set in the 70s, swiftly charming many movie buffs. The film marks the screen debut of Cooper Hoffman, son of the revered late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. Alongside him is Alana Haim, from the well-regarded indie rock band HAIM, both delivering splendid performances. Licorice Pizza transports viewers back in time, chronicling the escapades of Gary Valentine (Hoffman) and Alana Kane (Haim) as they wade through the tumultuous waters of adolescent love and the cinema world in San Fernando Valley. The title, “Licorice Pizza,” harks back to a bygone chain of record stores in Southern California, infusing an extra dose of 70s nostalgia into the narrative. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Bradley Cooper, Benny Safdie, and Mary Elizabeth Ellis, making Licorice Pizza a must-watch cinematic experience that underscores the undeniable prowess of its youthful leads and the narrative expertise of Paul Thomas Anderson.

Gary Valentine, brilliantly portrayed by Cooper Hoffman in ‘Licorice Pizza’, is a daring and audacious 15-year-old entrepreneur who is wise beyond his years. Set in the 1970s, the film showcases Valentine’s relentless spirit as he navigates a series of business ventures, constantly on the lookout for the next big opportunity. From waterbed sales to pinball machine distribution, he moves through a wild landscape of colourful characters and fascinating situations. Much like our journey at the Saint Valentine’s Liquorice Company, his ventures are characterised by a blend of triumphs, tribulations, and incredibly close calls with fame. Valentine’s entrepreneurial spirit, determination, and resilience symbolise our company values and ethos, making the connection between our journey and the film’s narrative even more poignant. No wonder we feel such an affinity for this captivating character and the movie.

Unpacking the Surprising Coincidence

Indeed, it’s a surprising coincidence that the protagonist of Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie ‘Licorice Pizza’ is named Gary Valentine. Cooper Hoffman portrays the character as a starry-eyed young man navigating life in California’s San Fernando Valley in 1973^1^. It’s interesting to note that our company, Saint Valentine’s Liquorice Company, has been around for almost three decades, sharing the Valentine surname with Anderson’s character.

Paul Thomas Anderson is known for his nuanced and engaging characters. Gary Valentine is no exception, and seeing our shared surname on the big screen was an unexpected surprise. It’s as if our journey somehow echoes in the film, even though there’s no actual connection between our liquorice company and the movie^2^.

This surprising correlation between our company’s history and Anderson’s cinematic universe serves as a testament to the universal appeal and resonance of the Valentine name. It’s a sweet (no pun intended) reminder of our shared human experience and the interconnectedness of our stories.

The Moment We Almost Choked on Our Popcorn

As we mentioned earlier, when we first watched ‘Licorice Pizza’, it was an unforgettable experience. Not only were we captivated by the film’s story and characters, but we couldn’t believe our ears when Gary Valentine’s name was mentioned on screen. It was a surreal moment that unexpectedly brought our journey and this wildly entertaining film together. We couldn’t help but feel like it was a sign from the universe that we were on the right path.

As the pioneering liquorice trader at major music festivals across the UK, we have had the privilege of introducing our sweet treats to a diverse audience. And within this eclectic mix of festivalgoers, we’ve encountered some notable figures from the music world. Glastonbury Festival, in particular, stands out for its memorable interactions. Here, amongst the vibrant mix of music and merriment, we found common ground with famed artists such as Chris Martin of Coldplay and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall from Massive Attack. Despite their stardom, their love for liquorice proved to be a great leveller, reminding us that we’re all just people with a sweet tooth at heart. This shared love for liquorice not only bridged the gap between us but also reaffirmed our belief in the universal appeal of our products. Our experiences at these festivals were a testament to our mission – spreading love and joy through our liquorice treats.

Reflecting on What Could Have Been

Over the years, we’ve had several near-miss moments with fame and fortune. From almost securing a deal with a nationwide retailer to having our products featured in top-tier magazines, it seemed like we were on the brink of stardom multiple times. However, as fate would have it, these opportunities fell through at the last minute.

But looking back on those close calls, we wouldn’t have had it any other way. Our focus has always been on staying true to our roots and keeping the love of liquorice at the heart of everything we do. We may not be a household name or featured in glossy magazines, but that doesn’t matter to us. What matters most is connecting with our customers and spreading joy through our delicious products.

Drawing Inspiration from Licorice Pizza

As we move forward on our journey, we’ll be sure to draw inspiration from Gary Valentine and his bold entrepreneurial spirit. Much like the character in ‘Licorice Pizza’, we will continue to take risks and push boundaries while staying true to our core values of quality and customer satisfaction. There are endless possibilities for the Saint Valentine’s Liquorice Company, and we can’t wait to see where our journey takes us next.

So, the next time you watch ‘Licorice Pizza’, remember that there’s a real-life Gary Valentine out there, spreading love and joy through the delicious treats of Saint Valentine’s Liquorice Company. Cheers to all the dreamers, risk-takers, and liquorice lovers out there

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