| May/June 1997
Editors Note: This message was written by the daughter of
owner and master chocolatier Tony.
Many of you have entered my father's store and commented on the
wonderful aroma. For some, it brings a devilish smile as they seek
out their favorite candy. For me, it's a comfortable and familiar
aroma. It's home.
When I was younger, I remember my father taking us to the candy shop to
visit my Grandpa Tony. Grandpa Tony used to give us the famous white
bag and tell us to put whatever we wanted into it.
Of course, being afraid to take too much, I would grab only a few
pieces of my favorite peanut butter cremes.
Then my Grandpa would say in a very stern voice, "What do you got
in the bag!"
Nervously, I would show him what was inside. Then he'd say, with
a big smile, "Geez, that's it?"
He'd grab a handful of my favorites and throw them in the bag saying,
"Now, don't tell your father I gave you all that."
I truly was a "kid in a candy store." It gave real
meaning to my Great Grandfather Romolo's saying, "How sweet it
is..." Then he'd tip his hat and blow me a kiss.
Often times, people come to Romolos and share stories of my great
grandfather and how the business all began. Others talk of my
grandpa and how he made everyone laugh.
Your stories are welcome and reinforce my own wonderful memories.
I've been blessed to have such incredible people in my life. It's
amazing how my family has been able to be a part of so many people's
memories, lives and home (especially at Easter).
Now, when I'm at Romolos and I see my father and brothers working
side-by-side, everything seems just the way it should be. When I
have the chance to work with them during the holidays, I feel complete.
I enjoy watching my niece and nephew smile from ear to ear as my
father, their "Papa Tony," gives them each a piece of their
favorite chocolate. You see, that's what it's all about--making
people happy. It's seeing children and adults smile, delivering a
quality product and carrying on the tradition.
I wrote this article to commend my father and brothers on their
dedication and on their excellence in fulfilling their heritage and a
promise to the people they serve. I also wrote this article to
congratulate my father for creating his dream.
So bring your children in to share the phenomena of chocolate.
Okay, adults are welcome, too. If you catch them at just the right
time, you may even get to see how it's made.
Feel free to ask questions--my family has the answers when it comes to
chocolate. We invite you to continue to be a part of our tradition.
Elise |