Small Business Success Story - Platter's Chocolates

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Each year the New York Small Business Development Center recognizes outstanding small businesses in a variety of ways.  This Success Story from the  Niagara SBDC appears in our 2016 Annual Report.

Roger Urban 
Platter's Chocolates
Niagara SBDC

Platter’s Chocolates is a family business owned and operated by the Urban family since 1972. Owner Roger Urban purchased Platter’s from Carl Platter who started the business in 1938, and several members of Urban family currently work in the business. Several years ago Roger purchased Betty Dixon Candies, the Jamestown candy shop that Lucille Ball worked at as a teenager, and which inspired the famous episode on her show. This purchase broadened Platter’s manufacturing lines and chocolate mold inventory. 
In 2014, Platter’s acquired Ko-Ed Candies, a South Buffalo tradition since 1947, again expanding production. This lead to Platter’s outgrowing its facility. In 2015, Platter’s embarked on a major expansion project to allow for increased production and to develop a tourist destination with a portion of the manufacturing plant visible to tour groups and shoppers. This involved transforming a large section of the former Wurlitzer Factory. The new location includes a gift shop and a “Café” at which visitors can enjoy coffee, ice cream, local favorites and of course chocolates! 
Platter’s Chocolates worked with SBDC Advisor Dinene Zaleski to develop a business plan and loan applications for the bank and public agencies including, Empire State Development, Niagara Economic Development Fund, Lumber City Development Corporation and New York Power Authority Power Proceeds. Many dignitaries were on hand for the November 2016 ribbon cutting. As a result of this project, Platters is now a destination that attracts locals and tourists who will also visit other nearby stores, restaurants, and local businesses. 

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