(L. to r.): A representative from Borough President Sharon Lee’s office, NYS Assembly Member Ed Braunstein, NYC Council Member Karen Koslowitz, NYS Senator John Liu, Congresswoman Grace Meng, Queens Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Thomas J. Grech, Aigner Chocolates co-owners Rachel Kellner and Mark Libertini, NYC Council Member Donovan Richards.
On Sunday, September 13, Forest Hills confectionary Aigner Chocolates celebrated 90 years in business with an outdoor event next to the shop’s Metropolitan Avenue headquarters. Queens elected officials and dignitaries were on-site to congratulate the owners, Rachel Kellner and Mark Libertini, and the staff of Aigner Chocolates, which is one of New York City’s oldest chocolate shops.
“It is a privilege to be part of a New York City tradition. Mark and I feel honored to have met the Aigner family, and to be able to make chocolate and confections in the old world style. We love being part of the Forest Hills community and look forward to spreading joy with our chocolate in the years to come,” said Aigner Chocolates co-owner Rachel Kellner.
“We feel honored to be able to continue the Aigner’s 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,” said Mark Libertini.
“I’m honored to celebrate 90 years of success with Aigner Chocolates—an amazing local chocolate and confectionary shop that has provided countless individuals with delightful treats. In the midst of a national health crisis, we are fortunate to celebrate this amazing milestone. I applaud Mark and Rachel for their amazing work and look forward to many years of their continued success,” said Congress Member Grace Meng.
“As a native of Forest Hills, I grew up going to Aigner Chocolates, known as Krause’s Candy Kitchen, when I was a kid. It is a neighborhood treasure. Congratulations to Rachel Kellner and Mark Libertini for continuing this wonderful Queens business and keeping alive a tradition for making chocolate that brings joy to so many in the community,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
“Producing chocolates and candy of unsurpassed quality for 90 years, Aigner Chocolates, formerly Krause’s Candy Kitchen, is truly a Forest Hills community staple and treasure. My sincere thanks and congratulations to Mark and Rachel for continuing this exceptional, traditional business,” said City Council Member Karen Koslowitz.
(L. to r.): Former Aigner Chocolates co-owners Pia Aigner and Peter Aigner, current Aigner Chocolates co-owners Mark Libertini and Rachel Kellner.
“We are honored to count Mark and Rachel of Aigner as not only friends but members of the Queens Chamber of Commerce,” said Thomas J. Grech, President & CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. He continued, “They are generous to a fault, from offering chocolate treats to the less fortunate among us to hosting wonderful events for both Chamber members and friends. It’s a great privilege to have been asked to be the Master of Ceremonies for their 90th anniversary celebration”
“Aigner Chocolates has been a staple in the Forest Hills community for decades and I am thrilled to be able to celebrate their 90th anniversary,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “It is a rarity these days to see a family business thrive for so long, and the chocolate shop is in good hands with Rachel and Mark. I have been a fan of their delicious chocolates for many years and know they have brought a smile to my family and countless others. Congratulations to the Aigner family, and Rachel and Mark on such an amazing milestone!”
“It’s special when a local business takes ownership in our communities, and we certainly do not take it for granted. Aigner’s quality cannot be matched, and what they have given back through philanthropy and community engagement is equally immeasurable. Rachel and Mark have done an incredible job keeping Aigner in the spirit of Forest Hills while making innovations to keep it going for the next 90 years. We are extremely grateful to have them as part of our community.” said Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi.
“I was proud and honored to be part of the 90th anniversary celebration today of Aigner Chocolates, established in 1930,” said Community Board District Manager Frank Gulluscio. “Rachel and Mark are a credit to all small businesses, not only in Forest Hills/Metropolitan Avenue community board 6, but throughout Queens County.”
“Congratulations to co-owners Rachel Kellner and Mark Libertini of Bayside as Aigner Chocolates celebrates its 90th Anniversary,” said Assembly Member Edward C. Braunstein. “Aigner Chocolates has been an institution in Forest Hills since 1930, and I hope that they will continue providing their delicious treats right here in Queens for another 90 years.”
(L. to r.): Aigner Chocolates co-owners Mark Libertini and Rachel Kellner, Queens Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Thomas J. Grech.
Aigner Chocolates is one of the oldest chocolate shops in NYC, manufacturing and retailing handcrafted chocolate and confections. It opened in 1930 as Krause’s Candy Kitchen and became a neighborhood institution in the Forest Hills community. During the early 1960’s the Aigner family bought the business and for three generations, they manufactured chocolate and candy in the same corner location on Metropolitan Avenue. During that time, they changed the name from Krause’s Candy Kitchen to Aigner Chocolates.
The married co-owners, Mark Libertini and Rachel Kellner, took over Aigner Chocolates in 2015. All of the chocolate is produced using antique equipment and recipes passed down through the generations. Mark and Rachel are continuing a rich family tradition by making chocolate and confections in the same old-world style.
Learn more at aignerchocolates.com
