Over the past 101 years, Li-Lac Chocolates has developed a loyal fan base that continues from generation to generation. Stories like “My parents brought me here when I was a child, and now I bring my children and have them choose their favorite chocolates” are among the countless stories and memories made through Li-Lac’s handcrafted gourmet, small-batch chocolates, which adhere to the same old-world techniques and time-honored recipes. Few New York brands have managed to reach this incredible milestone.
In 1923, the same year Mars introduced the Milky Way bar and Hershey debuted Reese’s peanut butter cup, French-trained chocolatier George Demetrious began handcrafting chocolates at Li-Lac’s original Christopher Street location. With an unwavering commitment to quality, freshness, and traditional techniques, Demetrious built a loyal following and established Li-Lac as an iconic New York brand that has stood the test of time.
In 2011, Anthony Cirone, former Global Brand Director at Unilever, and financial entrepreneur Chris Taylor acquired Li-Lac Chocolates. The pair elevated the company by making Master Chocolatier Anwar Khoder, who has now been with Li-Lac for 35 years, a partner. Together, they have taken Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house to exciting new heights.
After celebrating its centennial in 2023, Li-Lac Chocolates has expanded its reach with a new, state-of-the-art e-commerce facility at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. The brand has also doubled the size of its Grand Central Market store and moved its Hudson Yards store to a better location. Additional shops can be found in the West Village, Chelsea Market, and the Sunset Park Industry City factory & store.
The Li-Lac Chocolate Factory is a vibrant haven where the art of chocolate-making comes to life. Visitors can glimpse through glass windows to see skilled artisans crafting chocolates using time-honored techniques that have remained unchanged for over a century. Every day, freshly made chocolates are delivered straight from the factory to Li-Lac’s retail locations, ensuring that each treat is as fresh as it is delicious.
Inside Li-Lac’s stores, visitors can explore a diverse selection of gift boxes, seasonal treats, and iconic year-round favorites. Among the bestsellers are the popular NYC-themed confections, like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, as well as timeless delights displayed in glass cases, including Salted Caramels, Butter Crunch, Marzipan Acorns, Cream Patties, Coconut Clusters, Glace Orange Peels, and French Mints. With over 120 unique offerings, Li-Lac is proud to offer one of the largest selections of handcrafted chocolates in the country.
According to Master Chocolatier Anwar Khoder, the key to Li-Lac’s exceptional quality lies in the rich blend of real cocoa and cocoa butter used in every recipe. Fans of these popular & classic creations can indulge in the popular PB&J Bars, Chocolate Oreos, Nonpareils, Chocolate Almond Bark, and the Legendary Fudge, all of which are handmade and Kosher certified.
Li-Lac also boasts an exceptional collection of specialty molds, including antiques from the company’s early years. These molds are available in a variety of fun and imaginative shapes, ranging from chocolate lipsticks to chess sets, animals, cars, letters, numbers, and beyond. Capable of creating both pocket-sized treats and life-sized creations, such as turkeys for Thanksgiving or champagne bottles for New Year’s Eve, these unique chocolates make the perfect gift for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday, birthday, wedding, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, corporate event, or any special celebration.
Li-Lac Chocolates is more than just a brand—it’s a beloved piece of New York City history, enchanting chocolate lovers with every delicious bite.
For history lovers, Li-Lac Chocolates has published a hardcover book titled Timeless Traditions: A Centennial History of Li-Lac Chocolates, which may be purchased online or at retail locations.
Website: www.li-lacchocolates.com
Instagram: @lilacchocolates
Facebook: Li-Lac Chocolates
Locations:
Hudson Yards: 20 Hudson Yards, Level 4
West Village: 75 Greenwich Avenue
Bleecker Street: 162 Bleecker Street (btw Sullivan & Thompson)
Grand Central Market: 43rd Street & Lexington Avenue
Chelsea Market: 75 9th Avenue (at 15th Street)
Brooklyn Factory/Store: 68 35th Street (btw 2nd & 3rd Avenue) Brooklyn.
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