Governor Cuomo Announces Grand Opening of Platter's Chocolate Factory in Western New York
On National Chocolate Day, Platter's Chocolates Relocates to Historic Wurlitzer Building in Niagara County and Commits to Creating 35 New Jobs
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the grand opening of a new
$1.3 million chocolate factory in Niagara County. Platter's Chocolates,
a family-owned business since 1938, relocated to the historic Wurlitzer
building in North Tonawanda to expand its production lines, packaging
capabilities, and offer culinary tours to visitors.
"Platter's Chocolates' decision to relocate within Western
New York is a sweet victory for North Tonawanda and the entire region,"
Governor Cuomo said. "With expanded production and the addition of factory tours, we look
forward to the creation of new jobs, new economic activity and increased
tourism in Niagara County."
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said, "Platter's is taking its chocolate making to a whole new level
by inviting visitors to tour every step of the production. The new factory
in the historic Wurlitzer Building will be a magnet for tourists visiting
Niagara Falls and looking for some extra family activities to enjoy. Chocolate,
tourism and increased spending by visitors adds up to a sweet success
for Niagara County."
Platter's Chocolates moved to the 24,000 square-foot facility in North
Tonawanda to expand its operations, made possible by state-of-the-art
climate control capabilities. The facility's climate control allows
for the manufacturing of chocolate year round, even during hot summer
months, a process that was not possible at the company's previous
location. Platter’s Chocolates currently has 20 employees and will
create 35 more jobs to meet the increase in production and addition of tours.
"On behalf of Platter's Chocolates we would like to thank Governor
Cuomo and New York State for the overwhelming support of our business,"
said John DiGiuseppe, Vice President of Business Development for Platter's
Chocolates. "Our family business started in the basement of a small house in
North Tonawanda and now, three generations later, we are proud to open
a facility which will allow us to expand our distribution and provide
sweet tours for visitors to our region."
Platter's Chocolate Factory was designed to accommodate tour buses
and tour groups, featuring a walking tour that highlights the history,
production and art of chocolate making. Tour participants will see each
step of the chocolate making process, talk with chocolate experts and
enjoy samples of Platter’s famous sponge candy. Visitors can also
explore the Factory’s store, which features both a chocolate shop
and coffee café offering Wi-Fi, beverages and local ice cream.
The space will also be available for small meetings, community events
and holiday family activities.
The addition of Platter's Chocolate Factory and tours will support
the region's tourism industry, which attracts nearly 8 million visitors
each year, and add to the area's growing number of food and beverage
attractions like the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and regional wine trails.
Empire State Development President & CEO Howard Zemsky said, "Culinary tourism has grown exponentially with the popularity of
chef tours and the exploration of New York State's wineries and breweries.
A chocolate tour is a sweet way to encourage visitors to stay just a little
longer and enjoy watching the production of our world famous sponge candy,
Western New York's one-of-a-kind delicious chocolate treat."
Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation President & CEO John Percy said, "As the official destination marketing organization for Niagara Falls
and Niagara County, we are thrilled for Platter's on their growth
and expansion and to now gain an additional attraction to market to our
visitors. We have seen fantastic success with the Culinary Institute as
well as the Niagara Wine Trail which proves that tourists want to experience
local flavors. Platter's has long been a favorite in our office and
we often gift their chocolate as part of our welcome bags for VIP guests.
Now we get to show off yet another Niagara County gem to the world!"
The New York State Power Authority provided $200,000 to support the relocation
and renovation of Platter's Chocolates through its Western New York
power proceeds program, which uses earnings from the sale of unused hydropower
from the Niagara Power Project to fund economic development projects in
the region. In addition, Empire State Development will provide Excelsior
Tax Credits of up to $175,000 in return for the creation of 35 jobs.
NYPA President and CEO Gil C. Quiniones said, "The program has provided $32 million since its inception and it's
gratifying to help a company with long-term roots in the area that’s
poised to grow even more. Platter's is another example of how the
Niagara Power Project is an important driver of economic activity in the
region."
State Senator Rob Ortt said, "Platter's Chocolates has become a staple for sweets in North
Tonawanda and the region. It's become a tradition for so many families,
including mine. Growing up a few blocks away from Platter's, my family
and I would make regular stops there, so I’m excited it’ll
be able to expand in its hometown. This locally-grown company will create
more jobs, continue to thrive and strengthen our local economy, and continue
to be a tradition for many more families."
City of North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas said, "I have lived in North Tonawanda most of my life and Platter's
Chocolates is a large part of my childhood. I remember going to the original
location on Felton St. way back when and this continued to the Oliver
St location. I am very excited to see Platter's continue to thrive
and it's interesting they pick the former home of a once grand North
Tonawanda company in the Wurlitzer building to move into. I wish Platter's
good luck in continuing as a true mainstay of the community."
For more information about tours and Platter’s Chocolates, visit:
www.platterschocolates.com.