Since 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.
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
Marie’s CandiesBorn from homemade gifts made by Winfred and Marie King in their Ohio country kitchen, Marie’s Candies has been making small-batch chocolates since opening in 1956. Now third-generation owned by siblings Shannon and Rebecca, the West Liberty confectioner carries that family tradition from a restored train depot that serves as its retail space. Its best-known offerings include customizable chocolate assortments and distinctive treats such as Tur’Kins, a turtle-style candy.WEST LIBERTY, OH
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
Anthony-Thomas ChocolatesSince 1952, Columbus-based Anthony-Thomas Chocolates has made buckeyes and assorted milk and dark chocolates, building a local candy tradition around its signature confections. The family-owned business draws on five generations of experience and produces its chocolates in a 175,000-square-foot factory, where eleven lines make 30,000 pounds per shift. Anthony-Thomas also offers personalized candy bars and event boxes for weddings, parties, and businesses.COLUMBUS, OH