It's a Sweet Life for Local Chocolatiers

The summertime might not be the biggest season of indulgence for chocolate lovers, but local chocolatiers have kept their thriving businesses afloat for decades.

"The worst month of the year is July," revealed John Macko, owner of Briarcliff Manor's . "The peak season is between September and April. Easter is always the biggest chocolate holiday."

Annette Colasuonno, owner of  in Pleasantville, stumbled into the business 25 years ago and hasn't looked back.

"This is a great business," she said. "It's a very entertaining business. I could write a sitcom on [what happens in] this store."

Macko said he "used to do hobby work in chocolate," before he took the plunge and took over the store 18 years ago.

Colasuonno, who has two grown daughters, came across the Washington Avenue space while searching for a home in the village years ago, after, ironically, spending some time in the dental industry.

"I used to make teeth," she revealed, joking, "I went from preventing destruction to creating it."

In addition to selling an array of the usual candy bars in the shop, Colasuonno said, "I make all the molded chocolate out of Belgium chocolate."

She has been making novelty chocolates and personalized goodies for occasions from weddings to christenings for decades, tapping into her creative side for some of the more unique requests.

Macko prides himself on the Chalet's ability to "make custom molds" for special events, having worked for countless bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, private parties and corporate clients over the years.

"We also have every lollipop you can think of," he added.

Colasuonno has even molded chocolate into shoes, trucks and more for her loyal customers.

"It's a fun store, I have some really great customers," she said.

One of Colasuonno's co-workers joked she also serves as a "therapist slash confidant" to her customers, who often feel comfortable sharing their secrets in the welcoming space.

Macko agrees there's no business like the chocolate business.

"Everyone comes in very bubbly, happy and friendly," he said. "I just like being with the public. I'm a people person."

Over the years, Macko has been working to expand the businesses' reach, offering delivery service, corporate promotions and in-house service for private parties. Customized party options can be tailored to kids' parties with chocolate-covered popcorn, pretzels and more or cheese, fruit, cake and other specialties for a more "elegant" occasion.

Of course, chocolate fountains are also offered.

Despite his success, Macko always keeps giving back to the community in mind, having donated countless items to local charities and events. Around the holidays, he also gives away his leftover creations.

And his selfless spirit does not go unnoticed—Macko has a wall, right in the entrance, full of letters from organizations he has donated products to over the years.

"I guess it's my 'Thank You Wall,'" he said.

With a variety of milk, white, sugarless and other kinds of flavored chocolate available throughout the store, Macko said dark has always been his favorite.

On the other hand, though she's been in the business for a quarter of a century and makes fresh chocolate goodies on almost a daily basis, Colasuonno revealed she is not a fan of chocolate.

"I like the texture when I'm making it," she said. "But, I prefer a crunchy/salty taste."