Michelle McQuade

Malley’s: Cleveland’s favorite chocolate company

Dark chocolate pieces crushed and cocoa beans, culinary background, top view

dark chocolate pieces crushed

Ask a Clevelander about chocolate and expect one name to pop into the conversation: Malley’s. Here’s all you need to know about this beloved hometown favorite:

Cleveland’s confectionery champion

In 1935, Lakewood, Ohio resident Albert “Mike” Malley borrowed $500 to open a candy store at 13401 Madison Ave. The enterprise had modest beginnings – Mike and his wife Jo made candies in the basement and the family lived in the back rooms.

Fast forward to the present where Malley’s Chocolates is a chain of more than 20 candy stores and the darling of several generations of Northeast Ohio’s sweet-toothed crowd.

A legacy that would make Willy Wonka proud

What’s Malley’s secret to success? In addition to making irresistible sweet treats, Malley’s has fully embraced the spirit of fun in its stores and promotions.

The company’s third store, located in North Olmsted, was designed as an ice cream parlor and even includes a merry-go-round that has long been a hit among its young patrons. This attraction inspired Mike’s son, Bill, to add a new creation called the Carousel Sundae on the menu.

The fun and light-hearted publicity ideas have carried all the way through to third (and current) generation owner, Dan Malley. Contemporary Malley’s promotions include the ones that have prominent Cleveland personalities donning fuzzy bunny ears and an ongoing bumper sticker campaign. Stick a Malley’s CHOC sticker on your car and you get the chance to win $25 or $500 if “a special Malley’srepresentative” spots it.

Paying it forward

Malley’s has also found a great way to give back to the community that has helped it grow and succeed through more than eight decades.

In 1983, Adele Ryan Malley, wife of second-generation owner Bill Malley, founded the Malley’s School of Merchandising. The school teaches aspiring confectioners how to maximize sales through engaging store designs, high-impact packaging, and unique product presentation.

Must-try Malley’s favorites

If you can’tstop by any of their stores, you can always hop on the Malley’s website and start shopping for these sweet hits:

Browse my blog to discover more local icons and must-visit destinations in Northeast Ohio.

For more information and updates about homes for sale in Cleveland, Ohio, call (440) 823 2448 or email michellemcquade(at)howardhanna(dotted)com .

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