The History of Watson’s Chocolates
In 1946, two brothers, Louis and John Watson, and their respective wives, Ellen and Mary, began making chocolates in the back room of their soda fountain and luncheonette on Delaware Avenue in Kenmore, NY. Using old-fashioned methods and recipes shared by their relatives, Watson’s quickly established a reputation for producing fine confections, albeit on a very limited scale. Whatever was produced was immediately sold in the front of their restaurant.
Demand for the chocolates continued through the years. In 1987, Lou and Ellen’s son Jim, who had joined the family business in 1971, decided to take over the chocolate part of the company, adding new retail and production facilities. With the addition of Jim’s daughter, Whitney into the company in 1993, the Watson’s Chocolates product line was greatly expanded, and five more stores were opened, bringing the total number of retail locations to eight.
Our family recipes are still made today, by hand, and in small batches, including our famous Sponge Candy. Our candy makers and chocolatier are our extended family and we take pride in using only the highest quality ingredients.
“Watson’s Chocolates has been my family’s way of life for 75 years. I take immense pride in Watson’s being so well regarded in WNY and across the US! Our customers mean more to me than anything. I am grateful.” -Jim Watson
A favorite of thousands of chocolate lovers around the world, Watson’s continues to grow through catalog and internet sales. Our partnerships have blossomed with other Buffalo favorites like Anderson’s Ice Cream and Resurgence Brewery, and we continue to open new stores in some of our favorite old neighborhoods.
Our Commitment
Four generations of Watsons oversee the daily operation of Watson’s Chocolates to ensure that our customers receive the same or better quality that has become the trademark of Watson’s Chocolates since our humble beginning in 1946. Only the freshest, costliest, and purest ingredients are used in the creation of our products. No shortcuts are taken, no compromises are made. Our customer’s satisfaction is our single most important priority. We guarantee it.