By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a>
MEDINA — Offering a taste for every sweet tooth, Della’s Chocolates, 512 Main St., Medina, will officially open Feb. 1. Carrying a wide variety of chocolates, the store will feature flavored truffles, peanut butter cups, barks, chocolate lollipops, peanut clusters and more.
For owners Jim and Della Sliker, chocolate has been something that has fascinated them for several decades.
“Relatives of ours use to make it,” said Della Sliker. “So we started making it.”
She said they came across somebody selling their industrial equipment and they decided to buy it. Opening their first shop in Glens Falls, the two have been working with chocolate and owning shops for 30 years.
Leaving New York state for eight years, the two moved to Fairbanks, Ala., where they opened their previous shop, the Alaska Chocolate House. While there, they welcomed three Shetland Sheep dogs into their family and began participating in agility training.
Because of the training and better weather conditions, the couple decided to move to Medina 2 1/2 years ago. Moving would also put them closer to family and where they grew up, in Batavia.
Jim Sliker, who is the store’s main chocolateer, said they decided to open up a new shop in Medina because the area didn’t have one.
“I think it’s a good location because it is right in the center of town, right on Main Street,” said Della Sliker. “It’s a good-size little candy shop.”
The new store will feature Alaskan favorites, such as the moose track and bear paws. Della Sliker said the store will also carry sugar-free chocolate, but they will not be opening with it.
Not just selling chocolate, the store will also carry molds and other items for people to make their own candies at home.
“We hope to start classes soon for the upcoming candy homemaker,” said employee Donna Daluisio. “There is something for every sweet tooth out there.”
They will also offer fundraiser opportunities and do special orders for bridal and wedding favors.
Della’s Chocolates will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Della Sliker said that the store will have extended hours for certain holidays, such as Valentine’s Day and Easter.
Contact reporter Rikki Cason at 798-1400, ext. 8227.
