Madelaine Chocolate Reopens One Year After Superstorm Sandy

The Madelaine Chocolate Co., a privately held manufacturer of foiled seasonal and everyday chocolates, officially reopened the doors to its 200,000-square-foot factory Oct. 22. The chocolate maker had to close because of damage sustained during Superstorm Sandy last October. 

The grand reopening in Rockaway Beach, N.Y., gathered employees and an array of Madelaine clients, vendors, bankers and local and state elected officials.

“We are delighted to be sharing this special moment with all those who’ve stood by The Madelaine Chocolate Co. since the very beginning of this unfortunate journey,” said Jorge Farber, CEO. “This day is a testament to the unwavering support we’ve received from our dedicated staff and community. We are so very proud of them and are thrilled to be back.”

Still working through the rebuilding process, the company is on the road to recovery, planning to return to full capacity within the next 12 months. At its peak, Madelaine was churning out 20 million pounds of its signature foil-wrapped chocolates annually. 

“After sustaining significant damage to its 200,000-square-foot facility and equipment as a direct result of Superstorm Sandy, I am pleased to have supported the Rockaway Peninsula’s largest employer … in its efforts to sustain a Small Business Administration loan along with other financial incentives,” said U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY). “I am delighted that The Madelaine Chocolate Co. will be reopening its doors for operation one year later. This is a significant milestone toward helping my constituents rebuild their lives and restore community sustainability.”

The Madelaine Chocolate Co. was established in 1949 by Holocaust survivors and brothers-in-law Henry Kaye and Jack Gold, and is a third-generation, family-owned-and-operated business.