LI-LAC IN NEW YORK

“A Li-Lac History - Li-Lac Chocolates continues an eighty-four year tradition of hand making fine, chocolate confections using only the highest quality and freshest ingredients. Every delicious item, made daily in small batches, is guaranteed for freshness. Almost all of the special recipes we use today were created by Li-Lac's original owner, George Demetrious. His recipes, production methods, and chocolate-loving spirit have been passed down though three generations. Li-Lac's current owner, Martha Bond, and its past three owners have all shared the same determination and responsibility to keeping the original Li-Lac ingredients and high-quality product established by Demetrious the day he opened Li-Lac in 1923. Demetrious, the original owner and founder of Li-Lac Chocolates, was a native of Greece who learned the art of chocolate making in France. In 1923, he opened his store at 120 Christopher Street in the heart of Greenwich Village, and applied his chocolate making expertise, using large marble-top tables and copper kettles, perfecting the recipes for confections such as hazelnut truffle squares, fudge, assorted creams, caramels, butter crunch and many other American favorites. He employed a staff of dippers and box packers who would contribute their own specialized brand of care and attention still found in every Li-Lac chocolate made today. When Mr. Demetrious died in 1972, he entrusted his recipes and beloved company to his devoted employee of over 25 years, Marguerite Watt. Marguerite carried on Demetrious' high standards for chocolate making until she retired five years later, selling the business to Edward Bond in 1978.

"Edward Bond," Marguerite Watt would often say, "is the quintessential Southern gentleman." On many occasions, she told Ed that she wouldn't sell the company to just anyone: "Whoever comes in here after me, will be seeing to it that quality, caring, and commitment still count." Ed Bond was her man! A Mississippi native, who had recently relocated to New York City via New Orleans, lived around the corner from the Christopher Street shop, and was a regular patron, buying desert items for his catering business. When he would visit Li-Lac, he would allow all the other customers to be served first, so he could stay behind and visit with Marguerite. Over time they became good friends. She trusted Ed, and was certain that he was the individual who best understood the importance of quality, and respect for the Li-Lac tradition. Marguerite offered to sell him the business, and not long after, Ed Bond became the third owner of Li-Lac Chocolates.

While upholding the Li-Lac tradition, Ed expanded the brand and introduced a few items of his own. He acquired a large selection of specialty molds, and designed the signature Li-Lac flowered packaging for the special boxed assortments. Loyal to both Mr. Demetrious and Marguerite, he kept in his employ all of the devoted staff who had been working at Li-Lac since Mr. Demetrious owned the shop. In 1981, Ed's sister Martha joined him in the chocolate making business. For Martha, it was love at first sight. She quickly learned the master's recipes, perfected his techniques, assisted customers, and helped Ed with the day-to-day business of running the shop. Together, Martha and Ed developed the recipes, still used today, for the eight chocolate cream truffles that continue to fill Li-Lac's Truffle Gift Boxes. Later, Martha's own efforts would be recognized when in 1996, her recipe for the Li-Lac Raspberry Truffle would win an award for the "Best Raspberry Truffle in the Tri-State Area."

After Ed’s death in 1990, Martha Bond would become the fourth owner of Li-Lac Chocolates. Having the same affection for the business and the art of chocolate making as her brother, Martha upheld the quality and excellence of Li-Lac’s products. She nurtured the growing business, and in 1999, opened a second location in Grand Central Terminal Market Hall. Uncompromising on quality, she continued the Li-Lac tradition by keeping the fine, original ingredients, old-fashioned cooking methods and time-honored techniques. Her love of chocolate was infectious, shared by the many that have entered through Li-Lac’s doors. Martha and her devoted, talented staff produced a product of unsurpassed quality for chocolate lovers worldwide.

In August of 2009 Martha sold Li-Lac Chocolates to its current owners, the Merritt family. Linda Merritt now runs Li-Lac Chocolates alongside her children Jeremy and Kelsey. All three were employees of Li-Lac Chocolates during recent years. Linda continues to uphold the same fine recipes and traditions that have been the standard for excellence for over 87 years. Her devotion to Li-Lac’s success will ensure a “sweet future” for the company and its many devotees!”.

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