In 2023, we did something big - something bold, heartfelt, and maybe a little nostalgic. We bought Gorant Chocolates.
For those who grew up in the Mahoning Valley, Gorant isn’t just chocolate - it’s memories. It’s that perfect cellophane wrapped egg in your Easter basket, the iconic box gifted on holidays, and the sweet smell of tradition that floats through our community. When the opportunity arose to preserve and elevate that legacy, we knew we had to say yes. Well, not at first. At first we said no. It didn’t make sense. We toured the factory, we dove into the books. We talked about the parcel of land that iconic building sat on Market Street in Boardman and what we could potentially do with it. But we couldn’t make it make sense. We walked away.
But as we like to say things always work out as they should. Gorant came back to us over a year later and this time we didn’t walk away.
Why Gorant?
This wasn’t just a business purchase. It was personal. We wanted to protect something that meant so much to our families, and to so many others in this town. Gorant has been part of countless holidays, celebrations, and everyday moments of joy for over 75 years.
But legacy only gets you so far. We saw untapped potential in the brand. Gorant deserved not just to survive - but to shine. We believed that with the right energy, creativity, and community engagement, we could make that happen.
Keeping It Local
When big-box stores and online giants dominate the landscape, there's something powerful about keeping production local. We learned a lot about how to make chocolate and are still learning. But, the most important thing is that we have the original recipes that the Gorant Family created and perfected throughout the years. We knew we had an uphill battle in right sizing and modernizing the production process while still preserving the hand made tradition that you can taste. Gorant had always been handmade right here in Youngstown - and we’re keeping it that way. We’re committed to employing local chocolate makers, using quality ingredients, and making sure that every bite of candy tells a story of care, precision, and community.
Innovation Meets Tradition
While we honor Gorant’s history, we’re also excited to bring fresh ideas to the table. That means new flavors, fun collabs, custom creations, and even a few surprises that blend chocolate with other parts of the local food scene (you know we can’t resist a good mashup).
We’ve started small, with updated packaging and a renewed focus on customer experience, but the vision is bigger. We want Gorant to be more than a candy company. We want it to be a symbol of what’s possible when you believe in your hometown.
Why We Said Yes
At the end of the day, we said yes to Gorant because we believe in Youngstown. We believe in its people, its grit, and its sweet side. Owning Gorant is our way of giving back, to honor the past while investing in the future.
So whether you’re stopping by one of our stores for a treat, sending a gift across the country, or simply unwrapping a piece of nostalgia - you’re part of this story too. Thank you for letting us continue the legacy.
With love (and lots of chocolate),
Bergen & Nino