Since Thomas and Nicholas Aglamesis opened their first Cincinnati ice-cream parlor in 1908, Aglamesis Brothers Inc. has made ice cream and chocolates using Old World recipes and traditional confectionery methods. Now operated by the third and fourth generations of the family, the company continues that Cincinnati tradition from parlors including its Oakley location, which retains much of its original early-20th-century design.
Malley's ChocolatesMalley’s Chocolates is a family chocolate-making business founded by Albert “Mike” Malley in 1935, when he opened its first storefront in Lakewood, Ohio. Now led by members of the third generation of the Malley family, the company operates a modern chocolate-making factory at its five-acre, 60,000-square-foot Brookpark Road headquarters in southwest Cleveland and 18 retail stores across Northeast Ohio. Its long-running chocolate-making tradition also includes ice cream parlors at three locations.CLEVELAND, OH
Velvet Ice CreamFrom a basement confectionery in 1914 to more than five million gallons a year, Velvet Ice Cream makes premium ice cream in Utica, Ohio, still using the recipe Joseph Dager developed at the company’s founding. The family-owned business is now led by fourth-generation sisters Luconda and Joanne Dager and remains closely tied to Ye Olde Mill, its longtime home and visitor destination. Velvet distributes throughout the Midwest while welcoming more than 150,000 visitors annually to its headquarters.UTICA, OH
Graeter's Ice Cream CoGraeter's Ice Cream Co. makes ice cream using its traditional French Pot process, producing small batches of 2½ gallons at a time. Founded in Cincinnati in 1870, the business remains owned and operated by the Graeter family and has continued the craft through four generations. It is especially known for its dense ice cream and large chocolate chips.CINCINNATI, OH
JoMart ChocolatesSince 1946, the Rogak family has made hand-crafted chocolates and confections at JoMart Chocolates, Brooklyn’s oldest chocolate factory. Now a third-generation candy shop, JoMart still produces fresh sweets in the family’s original tradition, with Michael Rogak using his father’s stove and grandfather’s copper kettles. The family’s small-batch, hand-cut and hand-dipped approach carries through to its classic marshmallows and custom bonbon gift boxes.BROOKLYN, NY