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.
https://www.li-lacchocolates.com/products/timeless-traditions-hard-cover-book-
100-year-history
Website: www.li-lacchocolates.com
Instagram: @lilacchocolates
Facebook: Li-Lac Chocolates
