Bunnies, Birds and Baskets: Bon Bons Has it All

Looking much like soldiers at attention, hundreds of chocolate bunnies line every available space at Bon Bons Chocolatier on Main Street, Huntington's very own chocolate factory.

Chocolatier Eric Boginat sat Thursday in the glass-enclosed kitchen and hand-dipping station to the rear of the retail store, placing delicate flowers on one chocolate egg after another, with rows of the bunnies watching over him.

Occasionally he smiled at visitors staring at him through the glass wall, making it clear he is used to being watched when he's creating chocolate concoctions.

The bunnies come in 25 different form variations and are available in dark chocolate, white chocolate, milk chocolate and even sugar free.

The store, run by president Mary Alice Meiselman_who started as a Bon Bons employee at the store's original location at 338 New York Avenue before purchasing it with her now late-husband Peter Meinersma. Upon her graduation from Syracuse University in 1986, they were joined by their daughter Susannah, who manages the store today.

While chocolate is the star at Bon Bons, a fact made clear by olfactory senses upon entering, it is by no means all they offer.

For the Easter holiday, one of two with Christmas that are the busiest in the store, Bon Bons also sells fuzzy bunnies, bunnies as baskets and ceramic bunnies, as well. In addition, just about every single thing that signals that spring has sprung is on display.

Eggs, of course, as well as birds, nests, grass, flowers, crosses and more  come in most every shape and form available.  The store also sells bowls and baskets that can be purchased and filled or they will fill your own basket from home. Giftwrapping is free with seasonal paper finished with Bon Bon's distinct gold satin ribbon and seal.

The store's decor changes completely with each new season or event. "That's one of the most fun parts for me," Susannah said. "It's always changes and almost becomes a completely new store."

She said the store does well all year round because chocolate is always appropriate. "We do well, obviously, at Valentine's Day and Mother's Day is pretty good. At the end of the school year people come in for gifts for teachers and then hostess gifts over the summer. Communions  keep us busy, too," she said.

The store's hand-dipped chocolates sell for $30 per pound. But they also sell less expensive mass-manufactured candy such as giant jawbreakers and Ring Pops.

But first they must get through Easter and a store packed with eager shoppers. Amanda Forte had filled her shopping basket almost to the rim with a myriad of goodies.  "We have to go through it and decide before we leave," she said.

If you haven't done your chocolate bunny shopping, it's not too late. Bon Bons will stay open Friday until 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.