In the mid 1800’s French and German chocolatiers saw a business niche to reward those on Easter who abstained from pleasures such as delicious chocolate during Lent, with symbolic chocolate eggs (said to represent Jesus' emergence from the tomb and resurrection) and chocolate bunnies ( clouded in mystery, the internet has several theories) However, the chocolate bunny tradition really caught on in 1890, when a Pennsylvania drugstore owner named Robert Strohecker placed a five-foot-tall chocolate bunny in his display window. As you can guess the sales of the chocolate Easter bunny took off. Last year over 90 million chocolate bunnies were created.
History states that prior to World War II chocolate bunnies were always solid. It was during the war when the War Production Board put mandatory rations on chocolate and cocoa, forcing chocolatiers to become creative. They were still able to use their existing molds, but by making the finished pieces hollow, they were able to deliver desired treats and conserve ingredients. We are very much traditionalists here at Sweet Ashley’s Chocolate and our bunnies that are made here in Limerick, Pa are solid chocolate.
In closing, we would like to wish you all a very Happy Easter! And, don’t forget, we have all sorts of chocolate bunnies and eggs in a variety of sizes, centers and chocolates. Visit us at 70 Buckwalter Road, Royersford across the street from the Texas Roadhouse, online at www.sweetashleys.com or call us 610.948.1085]]>Did you know that July is National Independent Retailer Month?
Wherever you’re from, chances are there was a small independent business that played an important role in your life. Maybe it was the 5 & dime you and your family went to on Friday nights after dinner. Or the ice cream shop that gave you your first summer job. It might not have occurred to you at the time, but these small independent businesses helped make your community what it was; unique.
I am not going to lie, starting a business is risky, and I am always thankful when people choose to shop with us over one of the many larger competitors. I am willing to bet if you ask any of my fellow independent business owners, they feel the same way. Without the continued support of the community, we would be no more. Therefore small, independent businesses strive to provide great products and services and tend to give back to local charities at a higher rate than national chains. For every $100.00 you spend at a local independent business $68.00 goes right back into the community, while only $3.00 stay in your community when you spend that same $100.00 at a national chain.
July is a great month to be excited about the small independent businesses that call the Spring-Ford and PV area home. These businesses help tie the communities together, transforming otherwise innocuous places into areas people want to congregate and spend time. In addition to buying products and services from your favorite small, independent businesses here are some easy ways to share your excitement.
Thank you for helping me and all the other business owners realize our dreams. We all have dreams, and we all want them to be supported. Know that when you shop our Independent small businesses, you are supporting the dreams of others and it is very much appreciated!
Want more information about National Independent Retailer Month ? Look them up at www.indieretailermonth.com
We cant wait to celebrate with you!
]]>You may feel as if holiday time is already so hectic that giving corporate gifts on top of all the other end-of-year business and personal responsibilities is a hassle you don't need. This being said, now is the time to start preparing so you have one less thing to deal with in the throws of the holiday season.
I'd like to offer a couple of things to consider that may come in handy at some point this year or for the holidays in 2019.