The Chocolate Bar Celebrates 21 Sweet Years In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Chocolate Bar, a small chocolate shop in Westfield, will be celebrating 21 years of handcrafting sweets on July 4.

Located at 112 Quimby St., The Chocolate Bar is known for their made-from-scratch gelato — crafted with ingredients imported from Italy — and their hand-dipped European chocolates.

Owner Neil Grote is proud of how The Chocolate Bar has evolved over the years, even overcoming hurdles during the pandemic and current economic challenges associated with tariffs and the prices of cocoa.

"The valleys of retail in the world of economies, and right now, the chocolate prices are higher because of the cocoa crops, tariffs, and all that stuff. The chocolate prices have gotten so high that even if you sell a lot, the profit margins are really tight," said Grote. "So, just trying to figure out how much you can actually charge and make it is just a tough balance over these years."

Despite the challenges, The Chocolate Bar is doing well overall.

"Over the 21 years, we've grown. We're actually doing the best we've ever had," said Grote to Patch, who added he has seen many small businesses come and go in town.

Grote added how grateful he is to be succeeding.

"I'm proud. We sell 500 Gelatos in a day, and things like, seeing the customers grow up is amazing," said Grote, who noted he "almost teared up the other day."

A girl came into Grote's shop, whom he had known since she was in the baby carriage.

"It's just kind of like, wow, oh my god. Growing up, and seeing these customers continue to come here. And, I've had employees who came here as little kids and things like that. It's kind of like a family."

Grote started his chocolate journey right out of college around 1993 where he worked and then managed a chain of chocolate stores in Boston, which is where he learned how to hand-dip chocolate.

"I learned everything from scratch with lots of trials and errors," said Grote. "I still make simple inventions. The other day I made a little vanilla wafer with a little half-marshmallow in between, covered in chocolate. It's kind of like a smore but with vanilla wafers."

Since opening in 2004, the chocolate bar has evolved to expand its menu. They dip everything from Oreos, pretzels, and potato chips to gummy bears, marshmallows, and fresh strawberries. They also make their own signature truffles in-house.

All of their chocolate is sourced from Europe, including France and Belgium, and everything is prepared right here in Westfield.

"There are always fun things to do in the business. We are always trying different things to dip in chocolates and things," said Grote, who noted that a customer requested an engagement ring be dipped.

On July 4, The Chocolate Bar will celebrate its 21st anniversary, showing how a small, local chocolate shop has stayed true to tradition while creating sweet experiences for generations of families in the community.

For more information on The Chocolate Bar visit thechocolatebarnj.com or instagram.com/thechocolatebar.w or facebook.com/thechocolatebar.

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