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YOUNGSTOWN – Gorant Chocolates has been acquired by Youngstown Chocolate LLC, owned by local entrepreneurs Bergen Giordani and Dr. Nino Rubino.
The acquisition begins a new chapter for the 74-year-old chocolate maker.
While the recipes and chocolate will remain the same, new changes are on the horizon, the owners stated in a news release, including a move of the Market Street, Youngstown, store to a more prominent location at 410 Boardman-Poland Road before the upcoming holiday season.
Other updates will include an enhanced website along with a fundraising and corporate sales division.
The two licensee stores in Howland and Austintown will remain under their current ownership. Youngstown Chocolate LLC has a good working relationship with these owners and the three operators will collaborate to ensure consistent, high-quality products their customers have come to expect, according to a news release.
Giordani, known for One Hot Cookie and OH Donut Co., along with partner Rubino, a family medicine practitioner and partner at Poland Medical Center, said they have built their businesses on family and philanthropy.
“We’ve been fortunate to be supported by so many in the Valley and understand we have a responsibility to give back to the incredible place we call home,” said Rubino.
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