About Us

What do you do when life hands you lemons? Well, if you're 2 Chicks with Chocolate founder Elyissia Wassung's mom, you by-pass the lemonade thing entirely and go straight for the chocolate.

When a disabling car accident left her unable to commute to work, Barbara Ferrante began making chocolate at home using a crockpot. Her young daughter Elyissia would load up her shopping cart and venture down her Queens, New York, blocks going door to door to sell all she could. Unfortunately this first chocolate venture was short-lived—neighborhood bullies stole Elyissia’s candy and the money she had earned! While it was a tough lesson, this setback couldn’t take away the idea—or the love of chocolate—that had taken root.

Years later, Elyissia left a career in the telecommunications/corporate world and returned to the chocolate-making tradition she had grown up with. Together, mother and daughter became the “2 Chicks” behind 2 Chicks with Chocolate, transforming those humble beginnings into an artisan chocolate company. Early in the company’s development, they worked with professional chocolatiers, including master chocolatier Patrick Coston, to develop a more sophisticated line of handcrafted chocolates and bonbons.

By 2011–2012, the company had established itself in South River, New Jersey, where it operated production and opened its first retail store. A 2011 South River Historical & Preservation Society publication noted that 2 Chicks with Chocolate had purchased and renovated the former Sennhauser Embroidery Works factory, giving the historic industrial building a new purpose.

From there, the brand expanded its presence through locations in South River, East Brunswick, Metuchen and Middletown, while developing a reputation for colorful artisan bonbons, unusual flavor combinations, chocolate gifts, classes, tastings and events. Its chocolates have ranged from classic caramels and ganaches to inventive flavors inspired by cocktails, fruits, spices and desserts.