Peter's Chocolate Shoppe is a family-run candy maker in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the Meliotis family began making chocolates in 1938. Bought by the Steinheiser family in 1999, the shop continues its local tradition with small-batch chocolates made by hand, including candy centers prepared in its own kitchen. Its handmade chocolates are enjoyed by generations of families locally and worldwide.
Betsy Ann ChocolatesFamily owned and operated since 1938, Pittsburgh’s Betsy Ann Chocolates makes handmade American gourmet chocolates using time-honored recipes and all-natural ingredients. Founded by Betsy Ann Helsel, the company still follows her old-fashioned approach while creating nostalgic confections, customized chocolate bars, and fundraising programs for schools and organizations.ALLISON PARK, PA
Michael Mootz CandiesSince 1975, Michael Mootz Candies has made small-batch chocolates and other confections in northeastern Pennsylvania, carrying on recipes developed by “Gammy” Mootz in her early-1900s Pottsville store. Today Jason and Meagan Mootz run the Hanover Township business, with Jason representing the family’s fourth generation of candy makers. The Creamery, opened in 2015, puts the company’s own chocolate pieces to work as ice-cream toppings.HANOVER TOWNSHIP, PA
Gertrude Hawk ChocolatesGertrude Hawk Chocolates has been making chocolate and candy in northeastern Pennsylvania since Gertrude Hawk began the business in her Scranton kitchen in 1936. Now based in Dunmore, the company still makes its chocolate centers by hand with copper kettles and marble slabs, while its long-running fundraising programs help schools and community organizations raise money. Its signature Smidgens® and freshly prepared hand-dipped treats carry that family-rooted tradition into stores and gift boxes.DUNMORE, PA
Philadelphia CandiesFounded in 1919 in western Pennsylvania’s Shenango Valley, Philadelphia Candies makes milk and dark chocolates in-house from scratch, including its signature soft-centered creams and chocolate-covered snacks. The company still works in small batches and hand-packs customizable boxes at its Pennsylvania factory, while supporting organizations through chocolate-bar fundraising.HERMITAGE, PA