Rare Morsel is a Frederick, Maryland chocolatier and specialty food shop led by head chocolatier and owner Cody Marwine, who purchased the business in 2021 after working at the former Perfect Truffle since 2011. Alongside rotating handmade chocolates, the shop makes ice cream in-store daily and has broadened its shelves with artisan nonalcoholic drinks, imported sweets and savory provisions. Rare Morsel also creates personalized chocolate favors and gift boxes for weddings and corporate occasions.
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
Wockenfuss CandiesSince opening its Baltimore candy company in 1915, Wockenfuss Candies has made chocolate specialties and confections, including its signature homemade chocolates and Carmallows. The family-owned business is now operated by the fifth generation—Paul and Lynn’s three daughters—and has grown to six Maryland retail stores while continuing to manufacture candy in Baltimore. Wockenfuss is also a woman-owned business.NOTTINGHAM, MD
MFG Toffee & Bark CompanyBorn in Baltimore, MFG Toffee & Bark Company makes small-batch toffees and chocolate barks inspired by flavors from around the world. Owner Kathy Filosi Nelson built the business from an old family English walnut toffee recipe, and the woman-owned company remains rooted in Baltimore’s artisan community through local hiring, community events and product donations to medical workers and first responders. Its retail shop and production kitchen in Little Italy offer a local window into the handmade process.BALTIMORE, MD
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