Unlike large, mechanized candy makers that produce chocolates by the truckload, Stever’s candies are made fresh each day, just a few at a time, using Doug’s original recipes and the finest ingredients. As a family business, we especially love to see families come visit. In fact, “going to Stever’s” has been a happy tradition for generations. We often hear customers fondly say “my grandmother used to bring me here!”.
The Stever’s have been making delicious confections for over half a century. Douglas Stever learned the art of candy making near Philadelphia after his service in World War II. In 1946, he and his wife Hilda opened their first small shop in Rochester at S. Goodman & Benton Street. Despite chocolate shortages and postwar sugar rationing, their pure chocolates and candies gained a loyal clientele, and business began to grow. At one point they were making candy and operating three Stever’s shops in the Rochester area, Goodman Street, West Henrietta Road, and Park Avenue.
After serving in World War II, Douglas Stever learned the art of candy making near Philadelphia, sparking his passion for confections.
Douglas and Hilda Stever opened their first shop at S. Goodman & Benton Street in Rochester, overcoming chocolate shortages and postwar sugar rationing to build a loyal customer base.
Stever’s Chocolates grew in popularity, leading to the operation of three shops across Rochester: Goodman Street, West Henrietta Road, and Park Avenue.
The business consolidated its operations to 623 Park Avenue, on the corner of Vassar Street, where it continues to thrive today.
Kevin Stever, along with his wife Leslie, carries on the family tradition at 623 Park Avenue, crafting candies with the same dedication to quality.
