The official chocolate of everyday life.™
Asher's History
Asher’s Chocolates is the oldest continuously family-owned confection company in the United States. It began in 1892, when Chester A. Asher opened a small candy shop in the heart of Philadelphia. In addition to candies, Chester and his staff of six also made jams, jellies, maple syrup, freshly baked cakes and ice creams. Beautiful European-style bonbons and rare candies were displayed in the window to tempt passersby. The Asher name quickly became associated with superb quality, and the store acquired larger space in the Philadelphia’s historic Germantown neighborhood.
When Chester’s son John died in 1966, the third generation of Asher's took the company’s helm. With the increased use of air-conditioning in stores, homes and automobiles, chocolates were becoming more popular as a year-round candy. Jack and Bob decided to expand their selection of chocolates and began producing sugar-free (what was then called “dietetic”) chocolates.
The brothers understood America’s changing tastes in candies and had a knack for business. Asher’s quickly grew. By the 1980s, Jack's and Bob’s sons, David and Jeff, continued the business into the fourth generation. They soon moved the company to Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. When that space became too small, The Asher Familiy purchased 31 acres of farmland in Souderton, Pennsylvania. This is where Asher’s Chocolates are made today.
The family also purchased the former Goss Candies in Lewistown, PA. There, hand-made confections are created including Chocolate Smothered Potato Chips, moulds and buttery toffee.
From candy shop to chocolate factory, Asher’s has maintained a tradition of fine American chocolates. Asher’s Chocolates is currently under the direction of the fourth generation of Ashers: David Asher, President and CEO, and Jeff Asher, Vice President Sales and Marketing. Their fathers, Bob and Jack Asher, remain co-Chairmen of the Board.
Keywords: chocolate, confections, gift items, baskets, corporate gifts, sugar free, caramel, sea salt, snacks
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 1892.
What is your primary product or service?
Chocolate confections in regular and sugar free.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
This is a fourth-generation family candy business.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We make our confections using only the finest quality ingredients. We have been making these under the direction of the Asher family since 1892.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We currently have two locations: Souderton and Lewistown, PA. We are not looking to expand beyond these areas at this time.
What type of payments do you accept?
MasterCard, Discover, Visa, American Express, cash, check.
Which areas do you service?
We sell our confections in all 50 states and 7 countries.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
The Asher family still owns and operates the company.
What are your hours of operation?
Retail store is open 9:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday and Saturdays from Labor Day to Memorial Day.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That they love our chocolate!
Contact Asher's Chocolates:
