Bon Bons Chocolatier Of Huntington: Adapting To The Coronavirus

HUNTINGTON, NY — The coronavirus pandemic presented a challenging time for small businesses all over the world. The shops in Huntington Village are no exception.

Bon Bons Chocolatier, at 319 Main St., is one of many shops that temporarily shifted its business model, and customers have shown their support.

"We feel lucky that we have been able to open in a limited capacity," Susannah Meinersman, the manager, told Patch via email. "Many of our customers have expressed their gratitude to us for continuing to be open for business; we even received a handwritten note."

Bon Bons is a family-ran business, as Meinersman's mother, Mary Alice, is the owner.

The shop is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The staff receives orders over the phone and through the Bon Bons Chocolatier website. Following each order, a curbside pickup time is set with the customer. Customers then drive up to the Main Street side of the shop for pickup. There's usually plenty of room to pull up right in front because there are very few cars parked on the street, Meinersman added.

"So far, the system has worked great," Meinersman said. "Waves, well wishes and 'eye smiles' (because we are wearing masks) are exchanged!"

The chocolate store has continued its UPS shipping and also offers delivery in Huntington.

The staff began wearing masks in addition to the gloves they've always worn, Meinersman said. They now spend more time cleaning and less time re-filling the displays.

Fresh products are made as needed, as all candy is made in small batches. Meinersman created a Bon Bons "Comfort" Box containing popular chocolate and candy items well-packed in a shipping-friendly gift box, she said. There are milk and dark chocolate versions, as well as a Kids Box.

In another bid to adapt to challenges posed by the coronavirus, gift certificates were added to the website; PayPal can be used as a payment method. The certificates will be mailed out for free. The chocolatier intends to upgrade its website this summer.

Pre-pandemic, Saturday was always the shop's busiest day. Now it fills more orders in the beginning of the week.

With Long Island expected to begin its phased reopening Wednesday, Bon Bons is discussing how to "open" the store to walk-in customers, Meinersman said.

"We will most likely limit the number of customers in the store at one time and ask everyone to wear a mask," she said. "[We're] hoping that we are able to hold our annual summer sale. It is always a popular event."

Bon Bons Chocolatier can be reached at 631-549-1059.