How The Oldest Chocolate House In New York City Survived A Century | Still Standing

Li-Lac Chocolates is Manhattan’s oldest chocolate shop, having survived decades of change in New York City. Since Li-Lac opened in 1923, owners have stuck to the founder’s original chocolate recipes while adding new confections along the way.
Today, Li-Lac makes its legendary fudge, butter crunch, and truffles, as well as over 1,000 specialty molds for occasions like Easter and Thanksgiving. The company has six locations in New York City, with all of its ingredients made inside its Brooklyn factory.
For more information, visit www.li-lacchocolates.com
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How The Oldest Chocolate House In New York City Survived A Century | Still Standing

[@marahjaraisy7888]

You can see his passion from how his face lights up when he talks about the company. This is true dedication. Happy 100-year anniversary!

[@joshiki8235]

ഡ്

[@joshiki8235]

ഡ് zx xx

[@trogdor5668]

Happy 100 years Jackie Chan!

[@Godsburninggarden]

I feel like for that reason he’s a toxic boss he treats his employees like shit

[@kaliuchis9709]

@Moth do you know this? Are you face to face with this so called him being rude?

[@krisf2482]

Having Anwar as the co-owner is probably one of the reason why the company still exists today. He's very passionate and hands-on in his work. He's the perfect person who knows the tradition but still knows how to innovate the company.

[@BuckingHorse-Bull]

hey lets go get some li-lac

[@virendrababu9198]

@@BuckingHorse-Bull mmm

[@rileyredemption]

Follow some health code standards. Hand out beard nets, they need a lot of them. Unsanitary and gross.

[@user-hj5kq6xg9c]

​@@rileyredemption shut up

[@byronee]

​@@rileyredemption way to be a downer..

[@sammydreams2971]

My family was gifted a box of Li-Lac chocolates for Christmas! We (specifically me) couldn’t stop eating them they were so good and decadent! One of the best chocolates I’ve ever had. One day I’m gonna save up and buy one myself! 🥰🥰

[@sidolin6671]

I can relate to. I’ve had chocolate from different countries and places, theirs are one of the best!

[@WellISaidIt]

​@@sidolin6671 what even better than Swiss or Belgium chocolates. I had chocolate in the states and it tasted like vomit. Admittedly they were mass produced but I can't imagine any American chocolate to be better than Swiss or Belgium.

[@jaym291]

@@WellISaidIt You do realise most Belgian and Swiss chocolate is also mass-produced right?

[@WellISaidIt]

@@jaym291 yes I do. And it still tastes better than anything I have tasted in the states.

[@vinnvii]

@@WellISaidIt its because in the states they heat up the milk im a way that makes it shelf stable but the taste is weirder. More tradition going than anything else tho

[@cordelia8031]

Just this week I dropped by the Li-Lac store in Hudson Yards on a whim. It was my first time seeing the brand and I was only picking out a last minute gift for a friend. I received a whole bar of chocolate for free as part of a promotion and was blown away by the taste and texture. What a pleasant coincidence to have this video recommend today! I’ll be buying more in the future for sure :)

[@worldview730]

Now that is a story

[@mehere8038]

the dark chocolate moulds look delicious, did you get any of those?

[@cordelia8031]

@@mehere8038 Not this time, but I'll have to try them in the future. Nothing like biting into a whole hunk of chocolate!

[@usmh]

Chances are the algorithm managed to pick up on your visit... It's sneaky like that.

[@greggaming5844]

@@usmh I was abouta say that and KZbin is watching us

[@Raine13]

I haven't heard of this company before - but I've now visited their website, subscribed to their mailing list, and look forward to receiving my first order. I love supporting businesses with a rich history, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

[@dianaroseverano5744]

What's their website?

[@KathyA318]

@@dianaroseverano5744 search up their company name: Li lac chocolate.

[@punipuk8507]

Same, Ak

[@sovietbanana6556]

Former Li-Lac employee here, don’t. They mistreat their front house employees.

[@flowerducky276]

@@sovietbanana6556 oh dear. care to elaborate? (genuinely curious.)

[@leonorfeio3948]

Innovation is great but tradition is everything. To be able to keep a business open for a HUNDRED YEARS, wow, respect and awe for all those people

[@louisazraels7072]

but lets not forget, litteraly every single one of today's traditions was once an innovation

[@leonorfeio3948]

@@louisazraels7072 also true! they go hand in hand imo, kind of symbiotic

[@fatboyRAY24]

Innovation is a tradition that supersedes traditions that do not innovate.

[@vast9467]

Many companies have been around for a long time

[@drewh3224]

Such a familiar immigrant can-do spirit throughout centuries in New York. I went to this bakery shop in Manhattan Chinatown for years. One day, one is its Mexican employees bought the entire business and recipes from its Chinese owners after 12 years working there. The shop was over 92 years, and I was almost in tear while having his coffee and sponge cakes! So delicious😋💕

[@sheilaflory2541]

Visiting NYC soon. Need the name!

[@yurylast8334]

There is one that I would go with my mother when I was like 7 years old and they had the most delicious sponge cake. My mother would call them Chinese sponge cake. The most interesting thing is that I do not know the address but if I see it, I can recognize the shop. ❤️

[@drewh3224]

@@yurylast8334 The best sponge cake in town is still going for Kam Hing Bakery & Coffee 118 Baxter St. That's my opinion. But, Spongies Cafe is an older entablishment with the original sponge cake recipes. Believe me, they are good😋

[@jerryhernandez1895]

Whenever family members don’t take over a family business watching employees take over the business is the next best thing.

[@drewh3224]

@@jerryhernandez1895 Couldn't agree more. Long employees have become part of the familiar family for the humble immigrants to carrying on a piece of their life journey with their hard won pop 'n mon business.

[@FrankPCarpi]

I love this kind of dedication to the old world traditions. I'm from the Bronx but I have never heard of Li-Lac chocolate. Now I have to go online and order some of that brittle.

[@katherinelangford981]

And I had to go on to find out how much a giant chcolate turkey costs... $295.

[@FrankPCarpi]

@@katherinelangford981 that actually sounds reasonable, considering what everything else costs these days.

[@OrganicTrash]

@@katherinelangford981 I mean, you said yourself, it's a giant turkey! I'd guess it's a quality product with good ingredients, plus it's all handmade vs in a factory

[@OrganicTrash]

@@katherinelangford981 I just got to the turkey part. Girl, did you not hear how long it took to make!! And that thing is HUGE. I don't want to imagine how long it took to set in the mold. The price is definitely worth it.

[@katherinelangford981]

@Organic Trash oh i don't ont think it's unreasonable I just was curious how much one would be. 10 took him all night and it sounds like there's only the 1 mold.

[@stephanieyee9784]

What a lovely man Anwar is. He thoroughly deserved to be co-owner and Head Choclatier at Li-Lac. His dedication, enthusiasm and love of the traditional aspects of the business are wonderful to see. I'll put these chocolates on my list of things to try.

[@liamcaffreylowe5592]

Healthier alternatives. 15 POUNDS OF BUTTER.

[@syedsaad8179]

Ha

[@annaandrea8320]

It is better than margarine.

[@jessicaallen6731]

Came here for this 😂

[@lilangels2980]

I was about to comment that 😂😂😂

[@thatonepanch]

Butter aint that bad

[@gellichan09]

That's how you keep a craft going! Sharing all that knowledge and skill to future generations. It's refreshing to see this one still alive and actually teach its staff since a lot of other unique old crafts are dying because they don't have anyone to share their knowledge.

[@kindnessalwayswins]

What a sweet man, I wish him and his employees (and customers) all the best! All good things starts with passion!

[@wrighty338]

"You never touch the recipes of old school companies" Me - cries in pre american owned Cadbury 😭

[@Trund27]

Omg, yes. Also Rowntree, where did you go?? ;_;

[@wrighty338]

@@Trund27 Gobbled up by the corporate machine now the old factory in York is apartments :(

[@Tao_Tology]

I remember the old owners refused a few times before selling. Are there any factories left now?

[@RichTapestry]

@@Tao_Tology Swizzels still operates out of their New Mills factory in Derbyshire (UK), and I think they're still family owned!

[@WellISaidIt]

It was my first thought too. They royally f'd up good products.

[@cynamin922]

I love the way Anwar smiles when he speaks. You can tell he loves this and that he puts his heart into his work. I'd love to order some chocolate soon to taste it.

[@JasonP6339]

Thank you for giving him the opportunity to become part owner. Unless he has children, I would bet that was one of, if not the happiest moment of his life!

[@N0N4M30]

He needs an KZbin channel where he can show his amazing old molds 🤩 they look so beautiful

[@kaelthunderhoof5619]

Lol, just like that one guy and his exotic toy collections.

[@kathleengibbons7132]

Only in New York city can a random customer afford to order 15 handmade artisan giant chocolate turkeys from a high end chocolatier the day before Thanksgiving lol

[@lijohnyoutube101]

That certainly had to be crazy expensive and super hard work! Other cities have wealth as well but NYC certainly have many of them.

[@panykfelidae9018]

This man is made of chocolate and sunbeams and mugs of soup. The steady passion in how he talks about the chocolate he makes isn't a firey, dramatic heat, it's the kind of warmth that rises bread and cures clay into bricks - listening to him talk about building and creation makes me want to do it, too. What an amazing person with an amazing story.

[@claudiareid6613]

Anwar being co-owner definitely keeps the company going. I love how he keeps the recipes in a safe and is able to read the scale with out the numbers on it. You can tell this is his passion

[@sandragoodman2059]

Li-Lac may not sell the most, but it is, no question, the best chocolate in the country. And, oh, the butter crunch!

[@kafkollectif525]

It’s so cool to see how big they’ve grown! I remember when they had a teeny little shop in the west village, and now they have a big fancy one there in a way better location. Online orders and shipping worldwide was so smart too!

[@DarioVidili]

The joy that man has when talking about his job which has transcended into being his passion is something we should all strive for.

[@Woozlewuzzleable]

Thanks, now I want chocolate at 10 in the morning.

[@adrianriverapr6288]

Go for it 🤭🤭

[@MattTee1975]

Is it ever too early for chocolate?

[@Hammeredveracity]

Found the guy who ordered 10 turkeys

[@chrisamxy1963]

I'm sitting here, late at night, watching this video and feeling so happy for Anwar. He certainly makes the experience a positive one for the factory, the customers, and the employees. Well done, Anwar!

[@emjean22]

Tools and workspaces meant to be around long after the first generation shows the legacy the founders wanted to leave, props on being here a century later and continuing to be in use.

[@jayeftee]

I can feel his love for what he does. What a great reminder to pursue what one loves. He is very inspiring. He still got that twinkle in his eyes after all these years.

[@nerd26373]

The intricate details on those chocolates are immaculate. The fact that they're all made by hand (along with some help from modern day machineries) is pretty incredible. Anwar seems to be very passionate about chocolate-making. It's an art form, really.

[@patriciawebb5579]

How can you not LOVE this man. I mean, the love of and care for traditional chocolate translates (very loosely) to the love of humanity.

[@ElonMusk-qs4uw]

this was indirectly such great marketing for Li-Lac company, before i wouldve walked past the brand of chocolates without even thinking about it, now im thinking the next time i see the brand i must buy some now knowing the backstory and how passionate the owner is about the quality. all the best Li-Lac!

[@richmoves]

I first discovered Li-Lac way back in 1976 at the old Christopher Street location in the West Village, which is no longer there. I lived on the dark chocolate raisin bars and mint patties. The butter crunch is out of this world! 🍫🧡

[@ameliaperdomo6449]

The West Village location is now on Greenwich Ave!

[@richmoves]

@@ameliaperdomo6449 thanks, yes I know that.

[@wanowayawona6355]

I love that he still keeps the hand written recipes.

[@davidreaper0394]

This actually makes me happy I love traditional chocolate this looks amazing

[@serophina2857]

I’ll be the first to say I love innovations and seeing what the next best thing is. But I 100% love to see traditions being kept alive! Traditions are the reason most of us have the childhood memories we have or the stories to tell ❤

[@misery8264]

Him being a part-owner makes me so goddamn happy. I've seen my fair share of businesses, and often times they treat their best employees the worst, aka "You cant take a day off, I need you, but this other employee with less experience can" and owners as well as managers realize too late that they will be left with the worst employees and loose the best ones.

[@rafaelrub]

God bless this man. We need more humans like him.

[@s.g236]

the way he talks about the molds makes me so happy, just by looking at the way he talks about them shows how passionate he is about his job.

[@PatrickTanahan]

Some of the best chocolate I’ve ever had! Tastes even better after watching this and learning about the backstory! What an incredible operation 🙌🏼🍫

[@Cherry_Kuru]

I work in a local candy store that's been making chocolate since 1929, and I have to say it's pretty fun especially with the good staff.

[@bluefish537]

5:37 - There is nothing more beautiful than a man who loves what he does

[@lolitalolita7561]

It’s always so nice to be able to look through the window or be inside of a shop and watch people making the product.

[@le_th_]

In my eyes, Lilac already IS the #1 chocolate company in the US. I'm so grateful to have learned about Lilac when living in Manhattan back in 1990-1998. I think it's in Brooklyn now, though.

[@ry.hoshiko5482]

The passion and respect for the craft is what keeps it going

[@conniewojahn6445]

This guy's enthusiasm is impressive. I will him, and all the people working there, all the luck in the world. Go Anwar Go.

[@ithikithik]

The recipe of a long lasting artisan is having someone who puts all of the passion and heart on production everyday, like Anwar.

[@vagadagadingdong]

I love how the green candy that is made at 0:38 is exactly the same way of production that early tablets were made by pharmacists. I have on of these old pill boards at home from cleaning up an old pharmacy.

[@gokart1685]

the passion in his eyes is so nice to see

[@laurafluty9948]

I had never heard of Lilac but we watched this video and immediately ordered a box of toffee crunch - so delicious! Will look forward to ordering more treats in the future!

[@ambersampson744]

This Still Standing series is really incredible. Thank you for showing us generations of hard work and dedication.

[@Sophie-dd5xr]

Anwar is so genuine, you can feel it through the screen. Wishing them a lot of success! 😊

[@gailjames6489]

Totally way cool. Thank you for staying the course and not giving up. 👏👏👏👏♥️😊

[@catherinesanchez1185]

Never mess with the recipes of a 100 year old company!! Wise words. This ends up burning a lot of companies over time. They try to go cheaper with their ingredients or change process so much that it affects the product . Chocolate like this is a luxury item , period. People will pay if its good. And fresh chocolate vs prev frozen? You can tell , definitely. There are a couple chocolate places near me that are like this. Fresh chocolate , traditional recipes and they never have issues selling.

[@katiegastley]

It's refreshing to see the care taken in these handmade delights!

[@acevedobrooklyn]

Love that place been there so many times...Brooklyn stand up..

[@sugarspice7768]

I love that they not own kept the company going, they preserved the way the chocolate is made and are using the same recipes. 🤗

[@Divinefeminine888]

Thank you for showcasing this company - as a New Yorker ive never heard of this so now I will make the deliberate step to support this iconic new york business ❤ I love anything to do with cocoa too 😊

[@arachnidsLor]

this kinda made me happy to watch. anwar seems like hes so passionate and happy with his work. if i ever visit the united states and end up in new york, im sure i will give them a visit.

[@badassmalificent]

I'm willing to pay the exchange rate and shipping costs to try this chocolate. Small batch, artisan work is worth every penny. Happy 100 year anniversary. 💖

[@kamiekogoines5088]

loved this. keep small businesses alive!

[@mjrussell414]

Well, I’ve always wanted to go back to NYC ever since going there as a teen on a school photography trip in 1988. Now visiting Li-Lac and trying those beautiful chocolate creations is a reason to visit Brooklyn.

[@RuthJohnstonaworldofgoods]

More Anwar. Genuine, passionate about his art, and so sweet. Love this episode

[@idpro83]

I have a soft spot for artisanal work like that. It's like an isle of honest hard work in a world full money grabbing, deception and marketing bs. 👍🏽

[@anatoliagolden-hall4553]

Totally agree.

[@Ryvucz]

To me, nothing is more heartwarming than someone who loves their job.

[@sugarandchaos]

If I ever make it to that part of the world I'm buying one of everything. They all look so delicious and I love a company who is so passionate about their past and puts such love into what they do.

[@phantomstrider]

You can tell the guy's passion. It's really admirable.

[@emmanuelharbor2350]

Love the age-old traditions of making chocolate!

[@MotoEnz]

Nothing beats heritage and culture.

[@xiqueira]

Kudos to Anwar for pivoting in life and kudos to the other owners for knowing who is the heart and face of that business and supporting him.

[@OYJluv]

Natural bussiness man. Also very respectful to his workers.

[@piusx8317]

Lovely to see an old company still going

[@bjunsen]

this is amazing, honestly really inspiring. i’ll definitely try some very soon

[@Shopnativeonline]

Wonderful presentation of an amazing person and company. I applaud Insider Business.

[@nasihahihi]

this guy is adorable. he sounds so passionate whilst talking about his company

[@Tradewindsvintagehi]

I want to try every kind of chocolate they make. 😄I hope they can continue their great work.

[@michaelh4227]

"He doesn't use corn syrup in order to make it healthier." *Literally 5 seconds later* "15 POUNDS OF BUTTER"

[@td2222]

Butter isn't unhealthy! Quite the contrary!

[@michaelh4227]

@@td2222 You say that but I'm pretty sure if you eat 15 pounds of butter you'll probably get sick.

[@raymondcolison4501]

15 lbs of butter to make 1,500 toffee squares as it says at 3:54. I think that’s 4.5 grams of butter per square if my conversion is right. Doesn’t sound that bad

[@michaelh4227]

@@raymondcolison4501 I mean, you can say the same about the corn syrup but that didn't stop them.

[@minsiuh8960]

I love chocolate and have tried many high end brands - their dark chocolate almond bark is one of the best I have had - absolutely packed w almonds and you can just taste the quality of the chocolate! Love to see Anwars passion. Heres to a 100 more years!!!

[@mayajjubilee5797]

Woooooooow. Now this is an authentic chocolate factory!!!! I love authentic cooking!!! 😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@oliviao2238]

Mad respect for this creation

[@UpUpDnDnLtRtLtRtBAStart]

Beautiful craft. On another note - During seeing the recipe poured out on the table I was drawn back only to want to eat up every piece as I saw it scored and hardeened. Looks delicious.

[@mlvc82]

I LOVE THIS SOOO MUCH!!! seeing classic tools...hand crafted....real chocolate...not mass produced.

[@litergod]

true artisan - making changes like updating the corn syrup to tapioca is EXACTLY the kind of things to improve. Or adding machines for parts that wouldn't make sense to do by hand, like mixing or dipping. Great guy, great company.

[@taylorgraham7067]

"he is using tapioca syrup because he's looking for healthy alternatives... the next ingredient is 15lbs butter"

[@maryelizabeth1216]

i said the same thing 😭😭😭😭🧈🧈🧈🧈

[@AngryBerb]

They said healthier alternatives, not healthy alternatives. Massive difference.

[@catboxcleaner3532]

I know! All that butter made my heart stop. 😳

[@foodiesglobal101]

Always have a soft spot for them candymaking video's, and Anwar is such a nice chocolatier 🍫🍫

[@ditzydoo4378]

Congratulations and happy Centennial to Li-Lac Choclates. Some things should never change.

[@paulamurray5668]

This is the best chocolate I have ever tasted… hope you stay in business forever.

[@DHU11]

These videos are always the highlight of my very boring days when they are released 🥰

[@viktorgadany7595]

The chocolate shaped Turkey is very creative along with the large chocolate egg shape.

[@acoverdc9272]

perfect mix of tradition and innovation

[@animalcrossingnerd8142]

The fact that people still do this is amazing.

[@MurderBong]

THESE ARE SO CLASSIC! WOW 🎉🎉

[@killaclownz911]

What a beautiful company, I'm happy they survived the pandemic, lets see another 100 years plus from them :)

[@Bigbitesvegas]

The art of making chocolate is awesome! The way they make it, you know it’s good!

[@faloof9388]

My family has been going to lilac every Valentines Day since forever. It's been a family tradition.

[@nataliagryczynska4289]

I love the story and how passionate are the owners; cannot wait to visit them in NYC! Great video!

[@daisykid3]

That scale would be a lovely restoration project

[@user-ez9bo7uj4x]

Such a familiar immigrant can-do spirit throughout centuries in New York. I went to this bakery shop in Manhattan Chinatown for years. One day, one is its Mexican employees bought the entire business and recipes from its Chinese owners after 12 years working there. The shop was over 92 years, and I was almost in tear while having his coffee and sponge cakes! So delicious

[@michaelandrew4812]

Beautiful I hope they survive another 100 years love Anwar's passion and dedication

[@TLAR24]

Funny Hercules candy store in Syracuse New York must be the oldest family running store then. Opening in 1905 and ran by brothers who have since passed the buck to other family and still runs strong today. From Greece also.

[@janetclark8754]

I never heard of this company before seeing this video! Will certainly go on line and see if I can find them 🥰

[@dgarnett4220]

Outstanding! Best regards you passionate man. ❤

[@binatitagain]

I think this is amazing. Small batch prep and attention to detail and ingredients is what makes their business model somewhat unique from other chocolate companies. I agree with them that not changing their methods allows them to not compromise on quality ingredients and manufacturing which may be tempting to do in order to increase revenue. However, I believe that this sort of compromise is the kind of misguided attempt that has caused the downfall of so many other enterprises. I'd love to try their chocolates one day. They look delicious! I'd just be afraid of losing that recipe book somehow or having it stolen. I hope he has a backup copy stored somewhere!