Forest Hills Chocolate Shop Celebrates 90th Anniversary

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — One of the oldest chocolate shops in New York City just marked a special milestone.

Aigner Chocolates in Forest Hills celebrated its 90th anniversary with an outdoor celebration Sunday outside its Metropolitan Avenue storefront.

The confectionary opened in 1930 as Krauses Candy Kitchen and was renamed after the Aigner family purchased it in the early 1960s, according to a news release. Husband-and-wife duo Mark Libertini and Rachel Kellner took over the business in 2015.

“We feel honored to be able to continue the Aigners tradition and feel a unique sense of pride when we hear stories of customers who have been purchasing confections from us for their family celebrations for generations,” Libertini said.

In a statement, Queens Community Board 6 District Manager Frank Gulluscio called the couple a "credit to all small businesses" — a testament echoed by myriad elected officials who joined the celebration Sunday.

New York Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi commended Libertini and Kellner for their efforts to aid the community during the coronavirus pandemic, from giving Easter chocolates to seniors in need and putting together a rainbow mural for Elmhurst Hospital.

"It's special when a local business takes ownership in our communities, and we certainly do not take it for granted," Hevesi said. "Aigner's quality cannot be matched, and what they have given back through philanthropy and community engagement is equally immeasurable."