Jersey City Chocolate Shop Churns Out Halloween Treats

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Tucked into a storefront on Bergen Avenue in Jersey City is the red and white pin stripe awing for Lee Sims Chocolates. Sitting in the same storefront for decades, Lee Sims Chocolates has been whipping up sweet treats since 1949.

Lee Sims has three locations, one in Jersey City at 743 Bergen Avenue, one in Manhattan and one in Staten Island. The Jersey City location has been run by four generations of the same family. The current owner is Valerie Vlahakis. Her grandfather, George Sousane, bought the shop in 1940 with a partner when it was a soda and candy story.

The shop has made a name for itself with its signature treats for every holiday, including the biggest candy holiday of the year, Halloween.

A quick stroll past Lee Sims window will get your mouth watering as the show-stopping window displays present the detail oriented chocolates. "The writing up, assembly, packaging and shipping of your order are done on-premises under the daily supervision of the shop owner," the website reads.

For Halloween, Lee Sims specializes in shaped chocolates which include pumpkins, witches, bats and ghosts. Treat boxes at the shop go beyond just chocolate and often include gummy sweets or candy corn. Halloween candy items are available from Sept. 27- Oct. 31.

All Lee Sims candies are made in a nearby, custom-built facility.

Lee Sims hours are:

• Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.