In 1998, a non-descript storefront in the Village Mall in Middletown was leased by a woman with a yearning to own and operate her own chocolate shop. By her own accounts, the storefront was just an empty shell, something that would require more of a financial committment than originally planned. But she was driven, and convinced that she could make her dreams come true. Though her husband wanted to forget the idea and was worried that the financial strain might prove too much for the young couple, Susan Hordych, known as 'Suzi' to her friends and associates, persuaded him to move forward with plans. That was fifteen years ago! The same space that was marked by uncertainly then is now a place for chocolate lovers from all over Monmouth County and beyond, a real destination for those who want the best chocolate and not just chocolate that will do for the moment. All that Suzi had imagined, she put into action. And now, even Suzi's husband Stan Hordych, who was so worried about the risks of opening a business, has joined her in the candy-making mecca along with the couple's two children, Cassandra, 23, and Daniel, 21. Stan even used his carpentry skills to complete the recent remodeling of the store and built wooden cabinets and shelves to accomodate the roster of new products and the rapidly-expanding gift basket end of the business. "It is absolutely crazy around here," Stan said as he emerged from the supply room with his hands full of buckets and baskets of chocolates and other goodies. People call from around the country and even other parts of the world to place orders, and Susan joked, "It's really fun on Saturdays when the four of us are here."
When asked about her success, Suzi was firm in the belief that her courteous customer service and polite communication has enabled the business to prosper. "From day one, success to me has been about building relationships," she noted. The fact that all chocolate is homemade and is made fresh daily is a strong selling point, and the combination of Suzi's winning personality and her smooth, premium chocolate is a winning recipe. In fact, Suzi's Sweet Shoppe has won the "Reader's Choice Best of Monmouth" Award four years in a row.
Indeed, the 'cheerful chocolatier' never misses a day at the chocolate and fudge wheels and says over and over again how much she loves her business. It shows. She has a talent for launching new products and a flair for creating and melding new flavors. Passers-by can actually see her making over two dozen varieties of fudge in front of the store. Recently, ABC News chose Suzi's Sweet Shoppe as the location to film a segment on National Peanut Butter Fudge Day, which is November 20. The segment will air on that day during The Early Show in the 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. time slot.
Suzi's Sweet Shoppe is also known for chocolate-covered strawberries, a very popular item, and Suzi remembers when she first learned how to dip the strawberries as a teenager working in a Toms River, N.J. candy store. At first, she did not think she would ever develop the knack for that, but she did and of course teaches others how it's done now.
Painted on the storefront window of Suzi's Sweet Shoppe is a phrase that defines everything the business stands for - "Where The Love of Family Meets The Love of Chocolate." In fact, Suzi bonded with her future husband Stan over chocolate. Both worked in candy stores - different locations owned by the same people - and met when Stan was asked to watch the Toms River store while the owners were away. The rest is history. The relationship has forged a strong and effective partnership, and customers visiting the store can see the business is buoyed by joy.
Middletown Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger visited Suzi's Sweet Shoppe on Saturday, November 16 during a special two-day event celebrating the anniversary. Amidst chocolate cashews, caramels and coconuts - and scores of packages wrapped with gold bows for the holidays - Mayor Scharfenberger presented the Hordych family with a proclamation honoring the longevity of the business. He noted that most of the time, he presents proclamations when businesses first open, but that this was certainly a special occasion.
Suzi's Sweet Shoppe is located at 1100 Highway 35 South in the Village Mall, Middletown. The telephone number is (732) 796-0115. Complete product and ordering information is available on the store website, www.SuziSweetShoppe.com.
