Chester Business Of The Year Nominee: Linda’s Biscotti

CHESTER, NJ — The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges for most local businesses, but that hasn't stopped many from continuing to offer the products and services beloved by their regular customers.

One of those businesses is Linda's Biscotti in Chester.

The business was nominated by Patch readers as a business of the year for managing to navigate the turbulence with steadfast determination and an unwavering commitment to the clients they serve.

"Business had to move to new location. Never lost a step. The products are incredible. Atmosphere is quaint along with great customer service. Employees all local kids and adults," Paul, a customer shared with Patch. "Friendly and accommodating. Just love the place. Check it out."

Linda's Biscotti opened its doors for patrons in September, 10 months and one pandemic after closing to move to a new location on Main Street in Chester.

Closing last December in order to prep the larger space the business continued operating through pick-up and delivery throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and now has settled into their new digs at 30 Main Street.

"I would like to thank all of my friends, family and acquaintances who from far and near, came to visit, sent a message or even just a kind word of support to us on our first day in our new home," owner Linda Dalli-Cianci Hayes said of her Sept. 12 reopening.

While the location is larger, the core of the business has not changed. And that is based off of recipes Dalli-Cianci Hayes learned three decades ago from her grandmother. Once she mastered it, a tradition to bring them to every party or occasion for family and friends began. Dalli-Cianci Hayes was baking on a weekly basis and finally decided to take it one step further and experiment with double and single baking, later adding and creating different flavors.

Linda's Gourmet Biscotti expanded from "friends and family" to local marketplaces, coffee shops, and larger retailers and grocers.

With growing demand, they opened their first retail shop in Chester, offering a free Biscotti to any first-time visitor. And now they have expanded to the new space and offer new goodies.

Have a business you would like to see in a special spotlight?

As a Patch reader, you can nominate a Local Businesses of the Year.

Please tell us the name of the business, where it is located, why it deserves to be recognized and what specific actions have earned your allegiance. Please be as specific as possible, as your comments may be included in a Patch feature article about the local business.

Patch will feature nominated businesses in December.

Please submit your nomination by Dec. 10.

Additionally, if you are a local business owner who would like to share more information about your services and offerings, sign up to be included in Patch's free Local Business Information Center.

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