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

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

Рік тому

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

КОМЕНТАРІ: 1 000

@krisf2482 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

hey lets go get some li-lac

@virendrababu9198 Рік тому

@@BuckingHorse-Bull mmm

@rileyredemption Рік тому

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

@user-hj5kq6xg9c Рік тому

@@rileyredemption shut up

@byronee Рік тому

@@rileyredemption way to be a downer..

@marahjaraisy7888 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

ഡ്

@joshiki8235 Рік тому

ഡ് zx xx

@trogdor5668 Рік тому

Happy 100 years Jackie Chan!

@Godsburninggarden Рік тому

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

@kaliuchis9709 Рік тому

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

@sammydreams2971 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

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

@WellISaidIt Рік тому

@@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 Рік тому

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

@WellISaidIt Рік тому

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

@vinnvii Рік тому

@@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

@Raine13 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

What's their website?

@KathyA318 Рік тому

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

@punipuk8507 Рік тому

Same, Ak

@sovietbanana6556 Рік тому

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

@flowerducky276 Рік тому

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

@cordelia8031 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

Now that is a story

@mehere8038 Рік тому

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

@cordelia8031 Рік тому

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

@usmh Рік тому

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

@greggaming5844 Рік тому

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

@leonorfeio3948 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

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

@leonorfeio3948 Рік тому

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

@fatboyRAY24 Рік тому

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

@vast9467 7 місяців тому

Many companies have been around for a long time

@drewh3224 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

Visiting NYC soon. Need the name!

@yurylast8334 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

@@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 Рік тому

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

@drewh3224 Рік тому

@@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 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

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

@FrankPCarpi Рік тому

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

@OrganicTrash Рік тому

@@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 Рік тому

@@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 Рік тому

@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 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

Healthier alternatives. 15 POUNDS OF BUTTER.

@syedsaad8179 Рік тому

@annaandrea8320 Рік тому

It is better than margarine.

@jessicaallen6731 Рік тому

Came here for this 😂

@lilangels2980 Рік тому

I was about to comment that 😂😂😂

@thatonepanch Рік тому

Butter aint that bad

@gellichan09 Рік тому

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.

@wrighty338 Рік тому

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

@Trund27 Рік тому

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

@wrighty338 Рік тому

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

@Tao_Tology Рік тому

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

@RichTapestry Рік тому

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

@WellISaidIt Рік тому

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

@N0N4M30 Рік тому

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

@kaelthunderhoof5619 Рік тому

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

@kindnessalwayswins Рік тому

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

@kathleengibbons7132 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

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

@Woozlewuzzleable Рік тому

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

@adrianriverapr6288 Рік тому

Go for it 🤭🤭

@MattTee1975 Рік тому

Is it ever too early for chocolate?

@Hammeredveracity Рік тому

Found the guy who ordered 10 turkeys

@cynamin922 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

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!

@richmoves Рік тому

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 Рік тому

The West Village location is now on Greenwich Ave!

@richmoves Рік тому

@@ameliaperdomo6449 thanks, yes I know that.

@claudiareid6613 8 місяців тому

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

@panykfelidae9018 10 місяців тому

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.

@sandragoodman2059 Рік тому

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

@chrisamxy1963 Рік тому

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!

@rafaelrub Рік тому

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

@ElonMusk-qs4uw Рік тому

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!

@DarioVidili Рік тому

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

@emjean22 Рік тому

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.

@patriciawebb5579 Рік тому

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.

@jayeftee Рік тому

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.

@kafkollectif525 Рік тому

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!

@bluefish537 Рік тому

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

@wanowayawona6355 Рік тому

I love that he still keeps the hand written recipes.

@PatrickTanahan Рік тому

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

@nerd26373 Рік тому

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.

@misery8264 Рік тому

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.

@davidreaper0394 Рік тому

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

@serophina2857 Рік тому

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 ❤

@Cherry_Kuru Рік тому

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.

@vagadagadingdong Рік тому

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.

@conniewojahn6445 Рік тому

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

@le_th_ Рік тому

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 Рік тому

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

@s.g236 Рік тому

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.

@ithikithik Рік тому

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

@catherinesanchez1185 Рік тому

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.

@lolitalolita7561 Рік тому

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.

@MotoEnz Рік тому

Nothing beats heritage and culture.

@ambersampson744 Рік тому

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

@acevedobrooklyn Рік тому

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

@Sophie-dd5xr Рік тому

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

@badassmalificent Рік тому

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. 💖

@idpro83 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

Totally agree.

@foodiesglobal101 Рік тому

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

@Ryvucz Рік тому

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

@gokart1685 Рік тому

the passion in his eyes is so nice to see

@laurafluty9948 Рік тому

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!

@gailjames6489 Рік тому

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

@emmanuelharbor2350 Рік тому

Love the age-old traditions of making chocolate!

@sugarspice7768 Рік тому

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

@phantomstrider Місяць тому

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

@daisykid3 Рік тому

That scale would be a lovely restoration project

@Tradewindsvintagehi 5 місяців тому

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

@katiegastley Рік тому

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

@piusx8317 Рік тому

Lovely to see an old company still going

@kamiekogoines5088 Рік тому

loved this. keep small businesses alive!

@viktorgadany7595 Рік тому

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

@wingsoflotus Рік тому

@7:45 that child in every man's heart that never fades🥹

@Divinefeminine888 10 місяців тому

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 😊

@TLAR24 Рік тому

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.

@bjunsen Рік тому

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

@arachnidsLor Рік тому

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.

@mjrussell414 Рік тому

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.

@taylorgraham7067 Рік тому

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

@maryelizabeth1216 Рік тому

i said the same thing 😭😭😭😭🧈🧈🧈🧈

@AngryBerb Рік тому

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

@catboxcleaner3532 Рік тому

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

@killaclownz911 Рік тому

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

@Shopnativeonline 8 місяців тому

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

@cayleenasworldi3647 4 місяці тому

You can see his passion. I love this. If only I weren’t allergic to chocolate

@janetclark8754 Рік тому

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

@nataliagryczynska4289 Рік тому

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

@sugarandchaos 9 місяців тому

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.

@OYJluv Місяць тому

Natural bussiness man. Also very respectful to his workers.

@UpUpDnDnLtRtLtRtBAStart Рік тому

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.

@oliviao2238 Рік тому

Mad respect for this creation

@minsiuh8960 Рік тому

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!!!

@belladog957 Рік тому

As a New Yorker I have been a customer at Lilacs seen I was 3 years old I love this place so much, if you ever go to New York City, GO TO LILACS CHOCHOLATES!!

@MurderBong Рік тому

THESE ARE SO CLASSIC! WOW 🎉🎉

@DHU11 Рік тому

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

@Hare_krishna451 3 місяці тому

Business insider just made him and his company even more popular!!

@RuthJohnstonaworldofgoods Рік тому

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

@michaelh4227 Рік тому

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

@td2222 Рік тому

Butter isn't unhealthy! Quite the contrary!

@michaelh4227 Рік тому

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

@raymondcolison4501 Рік тому

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 Рік тому

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

@robertorosales2267 5 місяців тому

Truly a labor of love to bring the real chocolate to the world. Thank you for sharing!

@mlvc82 Рік тому

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

@litergod 3 місяці тому

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.

@binatitagain Рік тому

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!

@doodskie999 Рік тому

A lebanese guy who pursued programming but ended up as the new willy wonka. What a great story.

@user-ez9bo7uj4x 2 місяці тому

@mayajjubilee5797 Рік тому

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

@laknicks Рік тому

Wow that marble table looks new

@MsDesignDiva Рік тому

Reminds me of another place that also does chocolates and candy nearby to this place, the one I'm thinking of is Hercules Candy in East Syracuse, NY. Hercules Candy also has their own youtube channel, so that's fun.