Since 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.
Andy’s CandiesFounded in Rochester in 1917, Andy’s Candies handcrafts small-batch chocolates and confections, including its long-popular sponge candy, at its Hudson Avenue factory and storefront. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the company still uses many of the same recipes and serves the Rochester community through retail, wholesale, seasonal candy, and custom corporate gifts.ROCHESTER, NY
Mitchell's Fine ChocolatesSince 1939, Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates has been making handmade European-style chocolates in Cleveland Heights, including the housemade marshmallows that helped put the shop on the map. What began as a neighborhood soda fountain and sweet shop serving the adjacent Heights Arts Theatre became a third-generation business, now led by Jason and Emily Hallaman, preserving the Mitchell family’s recipes and traditions in small batches.CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH
Watson’s ChocolatesSince two Watson brothers and their wives began making chocolates in a Kenmore soda fountain in 1946, Watson’s Chocolates has grown into a family-owned Western New York confectioner best known for its hand-crafted sponge candy. Four generations of Watsons oversee the company, whose candy makers still use the original family recipes and small-batch methods at its Tonawanda manufacturing facility. Watson’s now supplies eight regional retail shops and ships its Buffalo tradition across the country.TONAWANDA, NY
Esther Price CandiesFrom a home kitchen in the 1920s to a Dayton-area candy business marking its centennial, Esther Price Candies makes handmade chocolates and confections. Esther Rose Rohman began with fudge, then built a following for chocolate-dipped fillings and bite-size treats; later owners preserved her use of quality ingredients and handmade production practices. Today, the company’s candies remain part of local celebrations and are sold through its retail locations and select grocery stores.DAYTON, OH