Last week, Shirley McMarlin with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review published a detailed and harrowing account of the effect of the Coronavirus shutdown on the local chocolate industry.
While small businesses are universally suffering due to the mandated shutdown, the timing is hitting chocolate industry particularly hard.
The piece, which includes quotes from over half a dozen local chocolate shop owners, reiterates the same sentiments across the industry: the chocolate is made, with nowhere to go.
For many shops, the Easter season accounts for 40-50% of sales for the entire year. The timing was a “perfect storm,” as many business had already produced large quantities of Easter inventory (chocolate eggs, bunnies, etc.) before the shutdown was ordered. With showrooms closed, businesses are quoted saying their Easter chocolate sales are down anywhere from 25% to 90%.
Unfortunately, the Easter-themed pieces will be worthless once the Easter season passes.
With thousands of dollars of inventory on the line, for many shops, this could be the end of the line. Pittsburgh is home to chocolatiers dating back to 1914 (Rosalind Candy Castle), 1916 (Anderson’s Candies), 1930 (Gene & Boots Candies), 1937 (Clark Candies), 1938 (Betsy Ann), 1947 (Dorothy’s Candies), and 1948 (Pollak’s Candies)
The city risks losing hundreds years of chocolate making traditions.
Below we’ve listed local chocolate shops in Southwestern PA to consider supporting in this Easter season, what what their current ordering policy looks like in light of the mandated shutdown.
Many ship across the country, and it’s a great way to show loved ones (near and far!) that you’re thinking about them.
Tag #goodfoodpgh and @goodfoodpgh so we can see your chocolate pics!
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The Best Local Chocolate Shops In and Around Pittsburgh:
Betsy Ann Chocolate, West View
Since 1938, Betsy Ann has been making chocolate the old-fashioned way, using time-honored recipes and only the finest, freshest, ingredients, all in the tradition of their founder, Betsy Ann Helsel.
Betsy Ann’s main factory store in West View remains open. They are also selling product at Sam’s Club, Giant Eagle, Khun’s, and Shop’n’Save. Their West View store is offering free in-store pickup: place and pay for orders online or by phone. Orders will be brought to your car. More information can be found online.
Betsy Ann Chocolate (322 Perry Highway)
SpectroDolce Confectionery, Monroeville
SpectroDolce, a confectionary shop that provides employment opportunities for adults with autism, is currently accepting online orders only. They are currently exploring various pickup and delivery avenues, so keep an eye on their website for updates.
SpectroDolce Confectionery (3926 William Penn Hwy)
McFeely’s Gourmet Chocolate, Irwin & Greensburg
Mcfeely’s, with locations in Irwin and Greensburg, is offering delivery, shipping, or curbside pickup. Call or text your order to (724) 771-5430. Keep and eye on their Facebook page for updated Easter inventory. (Don’t miss the chocolate making kits for kids!)
TC Candy & Chocolate Art, Mount Oliver
Shop Easter chocolate on their website.
TC Candy & Chocolate Art (101 Brownsville Rd)
The Chocolate Moose, Squirrel Hill
For almost two decades, The Chocolate Moose in Squirrel Hill has been a premier chocolate destination in Pittsburgh. The shop offers a gourmet selection of confections from around the world. Shop online, or order delivery or pickup on Uber Eats. Keep an eye on their Facebook Page for special products.
The Chocolate Moose (5830 Forbes Ave)
Dorothy’s Candies, White Oak
Longstanding Pittsburgh favorite Dorothy’s Candies has been serving the Pittsburgh area handcrafted chocolates for over 65 years. The shop started in a basement in McKeesport, before moving to a fondly-remembered storefront on Versailles Avenue in McKeesport. Dorothy’s is currently located on Long Run Rd in White Oak, but they ship nationwide.
The store is open for pick-ups (no walk-ins). Call 412-678-2723 use the website to place an order for pick-up, local delivery, or nationwide mail.
Dorothy’s Candies (1228 Long Run Rd)
Gene & Boots Candies, Perryopolis, Greensburg, & Charleroi
Gene & Boots started by two friends selling popcorn and salted peanuts outside the Coyle Theater in Charleroi during the 1930s. Eventually, they evolved to sell chocolate covered nuts and fruits, and thus their candies business was formed.
Currently, this third-generation business is offering curbside pickup between 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Call ahead and prepay. They also ship all over the U.S., just order online or by phone. Walk in customers are limited to how many can be in the store at once. Don’t forget the ice cream!
Gene & Boots Candies (2939 Pittsburgh Road)
Sinful Sweets Chocolate Company, Downtown
If you want to stock up on chocolate treats and some their famous edible cookie dough, Sinful Sweets is offering free shipping. Order online. They are also available through Uber Eats.
Sinful Sweets Chocolate Company (539 Liberty Ave)
Kelly’s Sweets and Greets, Downtown
Kelly’s Sweets and Greets store is closed, but you can order online. Use promo code EASTER for free shipping on orders of $50 or more.
Another way to support to buy a gift card online, which can be used online and in store once they open again.
Kelly’s Sweets and Greets (301 Grant St)
Rosalind Candy Castle, New Brighton
The history of this beloved chocolate shop can be traced back to Gust Zachos, who immigrated to the United States from Greece in 1912, and opened a restaurant/soda fountain business in Freedom, Pennsylvania. Gust, who had worked relatives in Greece making candy, decided to start making candy during slow periods in the restaurant. This business eventually became Rosalind Candy Castle in 1914.
Curbside pickup is currently available at Rosalind, Mon – Fri, 830am to 3pm. Shop online and select your date and time, or call at 724-843-1144 to schedule. Also, they offer local shipping for only $5 on orders $25 and up!
Rosalind Candy Castle (1301 5th Ave, New Brighton)
Brown’s Candy Kitchen, Mt Pleasant
Brown’s Candy Kitchen is open for limited hours, 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. with 2 people allowed in the shop at a time. They are also taking orders over the phone, (724) 547-2419. Shipping, pickup, and local delivery are all options. Be sure to try favorites like the chocolate bunnies, chocolate turtles, peanut butter egg meltaways. Everything is handmade. Call the store and an employee will be happy to assist you.
Brown’s Candy Kitchen (36 W Main St)
Mon Aimee Chocolat, The Strip District
Another favorite Pittsburgh chocolate shop for everything from baking chocolate to hard-to-find treats from around the world is Mon Aimee Chocolat, located in The Strip District. They are currently offering curbside pickup or shipping, call 412-395-0022 or email [email protected] to place your order.
Mon Aimee Chocolat (2101 Penn Ave)
Valos Chocolates, Arnold
Valos House of Candy was established By Theodore “Ted” Vasilopus in 1947, who began making candy in Chicago in the 1930’s. The business has been a delicious mainstay in New Kensington, PA, for over 70 years.
For Easter, customers can still pick up their Valo’s favorites by ordering online, or calling 724-339-2261. Curbside pickup, mail order, and delivery are also available. Additionally, find them at local grocery and pharmacies throughout the area, like Giant Eagle, Shop-N-Save, Community Market, and more.
Valos Chocolates (2009 Freeport Rd)
Wilson Candy Company, Jeannette & Greensburg
Though Wilson’s Candy Company is closed until further notice, they are continuing production and fulfillment of orders. Place a delivery order online or call ahead (724-523-3151) to have orders packaged and picked up in Jeannette.
Wilson Candy was opened in 1947 by brother sister duo Paul and Margaret Wilson, and business has been located on the same spot on Harrison Ave ever since. Wilson Candy still uses all the original recipes and techniques that started the business. Be sure to try their famous Wunder Bar.
Wilson Candy Company (408 Harrison Ave)
Speckled Hen Chocolate Company, Saxonburg
The Speckled Hen Chocolate Company is stocked up on Easter goodies, and there are plenty of ways to order. Buy online, call/FaceTime the store (724-352-4840), email [email protected], or send a message on Facebook. Items can be shipped or picked up in the parking lot. Wednesday, April 8th is last day to ship chocolate in time for Easter Delivery. They will be open for phone orders and curbside pickup everyday until April 11th at 6pm.
Speckled Hen Chocolate Company (656 Saxonburg Blvd)
Pollak’s Candies, Etna
This third-generation, family-owned and operated business has been making chocolates since 1948 with time-tested recipes and high-quality ingredients. Try the chocolate-covered eggs, assorted creams, princess slippers, peanut clusters, and cordial cherries.
Pollak’s Candies in Etna is offering curbside pickup and free local delivery (with a minimum order of $30 for delivery). The Easter menu can be viewed online. Orders will be taken via phone (412-781-1299) and email ([email protected]). They also ship anywhere in the USA.
Pollak’s Candies (352 Butler St)
Anderson’s Candies, Baden
Over 100 years of traditions have been poured into this favorite candy shop. Since 1916, this fourth- generation business has supplied the area with sweet favorites.
While the storefront is currently close, Anderson’s is offering curbside pickup. Call ahead to place order (724) 869-3018 or email [email protected]. Candy can also be shopped and shipped online. They are also sold at many shops and markets in the area.
Anderson’s Candies (1010 W State St)
Esther’s Homemade Candy, Carrick
Esther’s Sweet Shop was started by Esther and Karl Wolfson in the fall of 1973. The family legacy is carried on today with the same candy making traditions and high quality standards. All of the family recipes are cooked in copper kettles, then dipped and hand drizzled.
Inside sales are currently not permitted, but you can preorder with shipping, local delivery and curbside pickup. Call 412-884-4224 or order.
Esther’s Homemade Candy (1814 Brownsville Rd)
Sweetlane Chocolate Shop, Vandergrift
Sweetlane Chocolate Shop has been a staple in the Kiski Valley area for over 70 years, offering a variety of chocolates, including hand dipped nuts, creams, gourmet truffles, cordial cherries, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate covered pretzels, and their famous hand-made candy bars.
Currently, curbside delivery is available. Customers can call 724-568-2961 to place an order, and they will deliver to your car in front of the store. Products can also be purchased online.
Sweetlane Chocolate Shop (113 Grant Ave)
Yetter’s Candy, Millvale
Using the same recipe since 1950, all of Yetter’s candy is made on-site in their old fashioned ice cream soda fountain shop in Millvale. Currently, Yetter’s is taking curbside pickup orders, and their “chocolate bunnies are waiting for a good home.” Place and order by calling 412-821-1387, or emailing [email protected].
Yetter’s Candy (504 Grant Ave)
Clark Candies, Tarentum
Since 1937, this favorite shop has been perfecting theirs recipe and making everything by hand.
To purchase from Clark, order chocolates online and get items shipped to your house. There is free shipping on orders $100 and over. Or, select the “pick up at our store” options, and Clark will call you to arrange a pick-up time. You don’t need to get out of your car, they will bring your order to you.
Clark Candies (621 E 1st Ave)
Sarris Candies, Canonsburg
Legendary local chocolatier, Sarris Candies, started over 50 years ago when Frank Sarris began making candies in the basement of his Canonsburg home. Now they are known for their meltaway eggs, chocolate-covered pretzels, and old-fashioned ice cream bar in Canonsburg.
Currently they are taking orders online, or find them at a store near you. Sarris is also offering curbside ice cream pickup. Just order online, visit the store in Canonsburg, and they will bring the order out to you Pick up hours are 11am-7pm.
Sarris Candies (511 Adams Ave)
Even more local chocolate shops:
- Apple Cookie And Chocolate Company, Turtle Creek
- McKeesport Candy Co (online at CandyFavorites.com), McKeesport
- Sib’s Sweet Shop, New Stanton
- Applelicious, Carnegie
- Pink House Chocolates, Finleyville
Did we forget your favorite local chocolate shop? Please let us know in the comments below, and we will add it to the post.
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Tina says
Hi Madeline
Great article! Small businesses do need our support. Another small family chocolatier in Pittsburgh is Apple Cookie & Chocolate.
Katelyn says
Apple Cookie & Chocolate co.
Naomi Mattarock says
Pink House Chocolates
3760 1st Street
Finleyville, PA 15332
Lynn says
Apple Cookie And Chocolate Company, Turtle Creek
http://Www.applecookies.com
Best cookies in the US
Delicious milk chocolate
Harry gross says
Applelicious in ,Carnegie. Besides chocolate covered apples with many different designs, lots of unique seasonal chocolates for yhe seasons
Jennifer says
Nice list-but you didn’t include http://www..candyfavorites.com? It’s parent company, McKeesport Candy Co., has been around since 1927. While its physical location is in McKeesport, PA, they are online at http://www.candyfavorites.com. Everything from chips, to coffee, to candy!
Jeannie says
Edward Marcs (formerly Sherman Edwards) sold at Milkshake Factory
Carolyn says
Sib’s Sweet Shop, New Stanton (formerly, Youngwood) – great chocolate!
Carolyn says
I recommend Sib’s Sweet Shop – their chocolate is delicious!! Located on Routes 119/70 East between New Stanton and Youngwood.