Born in Piqua in 1961, Winans Coffee & Chocolate makes hand-crafted chocolates and small-batch, house-roasted coffee for its Ohio shops and beyond. The family confectionery tradition reaches back to the early 1900s and is now in its fifth generation, with confections still cooked in copper kettles, hand-rolled, and hand-packed. Today the company operates 20 Ohio locations, a modern factory, and a 6,000-square-foot roastery, while remaining especially known for its hand-rolled buckeyes.
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
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
Coblentz Chocolate CompanyJason and Mary Coblentz began Coblentz Chocolate Company in their kitchen in 1987, building a Walnut Creek, Ohio, chocolatier around handcrafted work and a close connection with customers. Today, visitors can watch artisans hand-dip chocolates through the viewing gallery at the company’s retail store, while businesses can turn to Coblentz for branded chocolate gifts.WALNUT CREEK, OH
Gorant ChocolatierGorant Chocolatier makes handcrafted chocolates and sweet treats, including its signature milk-chocolate creations and chocolate-covered pretzels, for customers across the Mahoning Valley and beyond. The family-owned company has been part of Valley life for decades, with flagship and other locations in Ohio and western Pennsylvania, plus a dessert bar where Gorant treats meet craft cocktails.BOARDMAN, OH