I have a dear friend in California who turned 96 years old in June. We were nextdoor neighbors for years and became very close.

When I spoke with Lura Allen on her birthday this year, she mentioned that someone had sent her See’s Chocolates, and she was really enjoying the gift. I don’t think we ever discussed chocolate and her love of it before. I said, “Wow, Lura if you like chocolate, I can send you some of the best chocolate in the world.” Then I told her about Veni’s.

Veni’s Sweet Shop is a local landmark in Niles. W.H. Bullard operated a grocery business at 226 and 228 East Main from 1884 to 1898. He sold the property in 1898 and it became Gillette & Hatfield Grocery. In 1919, Frank Marazita returned to Niles from service in World War I. He and his brother-in-law Dominic Ceresano purchased half of the building and opened Niles Fruit Company at the 228 location. In 1939, Frank’s son Joe and Joe’s wife Josephina Maraziti renovated the building and opened Veni’s Sweet Shop. The Marazitas brought 100-year-old European candy traditions, formulas and techniques to Niles. Joseph’s brother Albert began working at Veni’s in 1958 and ran it from 1976 until his death in 2004.

Linda and Larry Skwarcan purchased Veni’s in 2008. Linda continues the artistry and passion for crafting chocolate in the Marazita tradition. To taste Veni’s handmade, hand-dipped candies and to visit the shop is like a trip back in time.

It is obvious that the Skwarcans have worked hard to combine the old world experience with new world business realities.

Veni’s has a website, so customers can actually take a tour of the store, order online, and have candies shipped in climate controlled packaging. In addition to online business, Veni’s is what is now known as a “destination location.” In other words, Veni’s products, ambiance, hours and service are so inviting that customers are willing to drive two hours to shop there.

Veni’s Sweet Shop draws customers to our Historic Business District.

I finally sent my friend her “treats” a few weeks ago.

When Lura called to say she had received the dark chocolate truffles, she said she had already eaten two “absolutely wonderful” pieces and that she “did not intend to share any of it.”

That confirms Lura loves Veni’s chocolate because she is usually a very generous woman.

I know for a fact she did not hesitate to share her See’s Chocolates!

 

Jeanne Watson is a sixth generation Niles resident who wants to see the downtown strong once again. Jeanne has volunteered her time with the Niles Main Street/DDA for nearly 15 years. She can be reached at jeanne0503@comcast.net.