4. Ray’s Candy Store, Manhattan
Ray’s Candy Store at 113 Avenue A in Alphabet City opened in 1974. The store and its owner, Iranian immigrant Ray Alvarez, have become beloved staples of the East Village community. Ray still mans the counter. Known for its egg creams, beignets, and fried Oreos, Ray’s Candy Store has maintained its old-school charm. The same original cash register is still in use at the shop, which is open 7 days a week,
On January 1, 2023, the shop celebrated Alvarez’s 90th birthday! A mural made possible by the LISA Project NYC and Peach Tao was unveiled outside 50 Avenue A in honor of Alvarez and the shop’s facade got a refresh as well. In November of 2022, employees launched a GoFundMe campaign to help fund the birthday festivities and to help support Ray in keeping the store open. The tiny shop has appeared on screen in films such as What About Me and Die Hard With a Vengeance, as well as the series finale of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.
5. Li-Lac Chocolates, Manhattan and Brooklyn
Li-Lac Chocaltes was founded in 1923 by Greek immigrant George Demetrious. Demetrious took the chocolate-making knowledge he learned in France and opened up a shop at 120 Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. In his shop, he made mouthwatering favorites like Almond Bark, Butter Crunch, Hazelnut Truffle Squares, and Legendary Fudge. After Demetrious died in 1972, the business was passed to a series of owners.
A second location opened in Grand Central Terminal in 1999. Due to rising rent costs, in 2005 the original Li-Lac location on Christopher Street was forced to close. Chocolate production moved to Industry City in Sunset Park Brooklyn. While the location was new, the chocolate-making methods remained the same. There are now multiple Li-Lac stores throughout Manhattan.
