A Local Tradition
About Us
Home to one of Long Island’s sweetest successes for over 67 years!
Each small batch of Emile’s gourmet premium chocolate blend is created by hand on the premises, using the founder’s German recipes and manufactured on the premises using the original machinery.
Our History
Founded in 1953 by Emile Wagenknecht, a German confectioner, Emile’s Candies is one of the last of Long Island’s old-fashioned chocolate factories. Emile’s son, Robert took over for his father in 1965. In 1980, Robert hired high schooler Patrick Quinn who carried on all of the family traditions when he purchased the store in 1994.
Jackie and Michael Brown proudly purchased Emile’s Candies in November 2017.
Childhood Memories
Jackie’s mother Holly was raised in Oceanside and grew up going to Emile’s. Since she was a little girl, Jackie frequented the chocolate shop and has many precious memories of purchasing holiday treats and receiving her Valentine’s Day heart every year.
The Next Generation
Since the Browns purchased the business, they have retained all of Emile’s famous recipes - they even kept the cook! Teodoro Bermudes has been in charge of making Emile’s creams, caramels, clusters, marshmallows and truffles for almost 15 years. Many know veteran saleswomen Carol Chalavoutis (over 20 years) and beloved Henrietta Cuomo (more than 37 years).
Emile's pride and joy is the chocolate enrober, a nearly 70-year-old candy-making machine seemingly plucked from the infamous “I Love Lucy” episode. “We’ve kept the candy, the people and the charm,” says Jackie. “Why wouldn’t we?”
The chocolate recipes - originally created by the shop’s namesake and founder, German confectioner Emile Wagenknecht — have not changed. Brown says, “Preserving what customers have always loved about Emile’s Candies is the priority as we update and expand our selections. We are thrilled to be able to offer our delicious handmade chocolates on our updated website for the whole world to discover.”
- Jackie & Mike Brown, Owners