The historic Wurlitzer building, in North Tonawanda, is now home to Platter's Chocolates. The family owned company made the move in order to expand production.
Platter's Vice President of Business Development, John DiGuiseppe says, the new factory was designed to accommodate tour groups. DiGuiseppe points out there are plenty of windows so visitors can watch the candy makers from the coffee shop and cafe.
"We made it so even when they're not on a tour, just as a backdrop, having a cup of coffee, you can see them working in the back. And people like that," DiGuiseppe said.
One of the company's main goals, DiGuiseppe says, is to make it a fun place to be.
"We'll have ice cream all year round. And of course we'll have chocolate. We want to make it very cafe-ish, we like to say. We have a stage for Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny and perhaps some live music," DiGuiseppe said.
After helping to cut the ribbon on the $1.3 million state-of-the-art facility, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul toured the chocolate factory and helped stir up a batch of sponge candy.
Hochul said, "The new factory will be a magnet for tourists visiting Niagara Falls and looking for some extra family activities to enjoy."
Platter's, which currently has 20 employees, plans to hire an additional 35 workers over the next five years. New York state provided a total of $375,000 in low-cost hydro power and tax incentives for the expansion project.