For more than a century, chocolate making has been a family tradition at Macris Chocolates. Today, the third-generation family business continues that legacy from two West Shore locations, including its longtime home at West Shore Plaza and its newest location at The Stone House at Silver Creek Plaza on the Pike.
With more than 107 years of chocolate-making experience behind the family, owners Elena Macris and Rich Warrell see the business as much more than simply making and selling chocolates.
“Being a third-generation chocolatier means carrying forward traditions of quality, craftsmanship, and care while continuing to evolve and create something meaningful for the next generation,” she said.
For Macris, that tradition starts with doing things the old-fashioned way.
Handmade With Care
Macris Chocolates creates its confections from scratch in small batches, using premium chocolates, freshly roasted nuts, fruits and other carefully sourced ingredients. The company supports local suppliers whenever possible while also sourcing specialty ingredients from around the world.
“We believe that great ingredients create great chocolate, and that philosophy has guided everything we do,” Macris said.
Customer favorites include Sea Salt Caramels, Peanut Butter Truffles, old-fashioned creams, truffles and chocolate-covered nuts. Many recipes and techniques reflect the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Seasonal specialties are also an important part of the Macris tradition. At Easter, the shop continues to handcraft old-fashioned Easter eggs in varieties including peanut butter, fruit and nut, pecan nougat and chocolate nut.
For Macris, preserving those traditions is especially meaningful as handmade confections like these become harder to find.
“We’re committed to doing things the old-fashioned way, even when it’s more time-consuming, because we believe quality matters and that customers can taste the difference.”
13 Years at West Shore Plaza
For the past 13 years, Macris Chocolates has called West Shore Plaza home and will soon celebrate its 14th year at the shopping center.
Over that time, the shop has become part of a community of local businesses, national retailers and loyal customers that Macris says makes the plaza special.
“What we love most is the sense of community,” she said. “West Shore Plaza has a unique mix of long-standing local businesses and national retailers, creating a welcoming destination where people can shop, dine, and connect.”
That community connection is especially important for a family business built around celebrations and traditions.
Whether customers are stopping in for a favorite chocolate, choosing a holiday gift or picking up something special for a milestone occasion, Macris appreciates the opportunity to become a small part of those moments.
A New Chapter at The Stone House
The Macris Chocolates story with Smith Land & Improvement Corporation expanded with the opening of a second location at The Stone House at Silver Creek Plaza on the Pike in late 2023.
The historic building immediately caught the family’s attention.
“We fell in love with the building’s character and history, and we were excited to work with Smith Land & Improvement to thoughtfully restore and preserve such a special space,” Macris said.
The location gave Macris an opportunity to create something different. In addition to offering its handcrafted chocolates, The Stone House provides space for both professional and personal gatherings.
Business meetings, strategic planning sessions, team gatherings and small-group workshops have all found a home there. The restored historic setting offers an alternative to a traditional meeting room while still providing the modern technology businesses need.
The space has also hosted bridal and baby showers, birthday celebrations, private wine and chocolate tastings and other intimate gatherings.
“One of our favorite things is helping people create memorable experiences, whether they’re celebrating an important milestone or simply gathering with friends, family, or colleagues in a beautiful historic setting,” Macris said.
The second location has also helped introduce Macris Chocolates to more customers as the Carlisle Pike area continues to grow.
Chocolate That Becomes Part of the Tradition
For a business with more than a century of history, some of the most meaningful moments aren’t necessarily about what’s new. They’re about being invited back into customers’ traditions year after year.
Christmas remains Macris’ favorite season, despite being the busiest time of the year for the business.
There are countless hours spent behind the scenes preparing chocolates, gifts, baskets and customer orders, but she says the work takes on a different meaning when she thinks about where those gifts are going.
“What I love most is imagining the moment someone receives one of those gifts,” she said. “Being part of our customers’ celebrations and traditions year after year is what makes this business so meaningful to me.”
Macris Chocolates continues to look for new ways to create those experiences through seasonal events, tastings, sampling days and special gatherings at its locations.
Customers can follow Macris Chocolates on social media or visit either location to see what’s coming next.
Proud to Support Local Business
At Smith Land & Improvement Corporation, we’re proud to provide places where local businesses can put down roots, grow and continue serving the communities that support them.
Macris Chocolates is a wonderful example. From nearly 14 years at West Shore Plaza to the family’s expansion into The Stone House at Silver Creek Plaza on the Pike, we’re grateful that two Smith Land properties are part of the Macris story.
Businesses like Macris bring personality, history and a strong sense of community to our properties, and we’re proud to have this third-generation family business as part of the Smith Land family.
Visit Macris Chocolates
Website: https://macrischocolates.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macrischocolates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macrischoc/
Lemoyne Location: 1200 Market Street, Lemoyne PA 17043. (Located at the West Shore Plaza, next to Neato Burrito) 717-412-7129
Mechanicsburg Location: 6395 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. (Located in the historic stone house next to REI Outfitters) 717-884-2550
Event Space Inquiries: https://macrischocolates.com/pages/contact
