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Shop finds profit in chocolate despite rough economy

Shop finds profit in chocolate despite rough economy

By Sherry Long slong@timesleader.com
Staff Writer

SHAVERTOWN – A chocolate lover’s dream housed in the Back Mountain is thriving and has expanded its business twice despite the struggling economy.

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Theresa Novak organizes chocolates at her shop Ah! Some Chocolates in Shavertown.

Aimee Dilger photos/the times leader

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An assortment of chocolates from Ah! Some Chocolates.

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Once guests enter the three-story rustic barn home to Ah! Some Chocolates, they are surrounded by fine hand-made chocolates — everything from gourmet truffles and chocolate turtles to chocolate covered pretzels and chocolate covered potato chips. Visitors can enjoy a light breakfast or lunch in the 40-seat capacity caf� toward the rear of the first-floor.

This boutique and caf� is a dream come true for friends and owners Mary L. Hepner and Theresa M. Novak. The pair began operating their business at the Stegmaier Mansion in 2005 to fulfill internet and corporate business orders.

The business quickly took off and the pair knew they needed a larger space, Hepner said.

While uncertain what lay ahead for the nation’s economy, Hepner and Novak opened the retail boutique store in February and the caf� in late September.

“We wanted it to be a comforting place, a getaway, that other place that sense of community where you could go, sort of hang out and have something that wouldn’t break the bank,” Hepner said regarding the caf�.

The duo has received great support from Back Mountain residents and earnings have exceeded projections, Novak said, noting that many people seem to prefer trading with the local business.

The pair uses local farmers to supply the eggs, milk and other ingredients used in their artisan chocolates and caf� selections because they also feel it’s important to support the local community. Their menu changes frequently so they can offer foods using the seasonal ingredients, Hepner said.

She attributes some of their success to using the fresh ingredients and fine chocolates from around the world.

“We add only pure ingredients. There is very little sugar. There are no fillers. It is really pure ingredients,” Hepner said.

Novak added that people know fine quality when they see it and taste it.

“They do know the difference between mass production and something that is hand-made. They remember those things. It’s like buying a pie from a supermarket or having a handmade pie. It’s that difference. … real chocolate, fine chocolate, once you put it in your mouth, you see how its decorated. It makes a big difference. People like that,” Novak said.

Specializing in custom orders, the pair can make chocolates for bridal parties, weddings, chocolate tastings or any other special occasion.

They know America is in a recession, but Hepner and Novak still have ambitious plans for their shop. Among them are cooking classes, child friendly workshops and chocolate tastings next spring and summer.

If you go

Ah! Some Chocolates

100 E. Overbrook Rd. Shavertown

674-0178

www.ahsomechocolates.com Normal hours - Retail boutique open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (closed Sunday/Monday/Tuesday) Caf�, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Holiday hours – for Christmas week and New Year’s week:

Retail boutique open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday (closed Wednesday/Thursday) Caf�, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.