In the quaint, historic village of Chester, New Jersey, where colonial charm meets bustling Main Street, one shop has long been a beacon for chocolate lovers: J. Emanuel Chocolatier. Nestled on Main Street, this artisan haven has delighted locals and tourists alike for nearly three decades. However, the bittersweet news has spread—a final curtain call. The beloved chocolatier closed its doors at the end of 2024, marking the end of an era for handcrafted confections that captured hearts and taste buds around the world.

Founded in 1997 by Jonathan Emanuel Dambrot and his mother, J. Emanuel sprang from a simple yet profound dream. The duo opened their doors in Chester's vibrant community. What began as a modest tribute to family legacy quickly blossomed into a national sensation. By 2004, industry veteran Tad (full name not widely publicized) acquired the shop, infusing it with innovative flair. In 2012, entrepreneur Michael Canzano of Basking Ridge, NJ, took the reins, purchasing the business and all its cherished recipes, ensuring the craft endured under passionate stewardship.

Over the years, J. Emanuel has earned its reputation as a fine chocolate shop in the Chester area. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, the shop became a pilgrimage site for Valentine's Day romantics, holiday gift-hunters, and everyday indulgence seekers. Curbside pickup and custom orders made it a cornerstone of Chester's tourism draw, tucked behind the Redwoods Grill & Bar like a hidden gem.

So why close, after such sweet success? While specifics remain private—perhaps retirement for owner Canzano or shifting market winds—the decision underscores the challenges small-batch artisans face amid rising costs and big-box competition. As chocolatiers ourselves, we can attest that the skyrocketing cost of cocoa, significant increases in New Jersey minimum wages, and general inflation have made it a very challenging business. We appreciate our customers continuing to return, even though we have had to raise prices to stay in the black.  We know no one wants to see the same fate befall Enjou, and we are here to ensure that doesn’t happen.

If you want to continue getting and gifting extraordinary chocolate confections, we are here for J. Emanuel’s former customers.  We are here in Morristown,  a short 20-minute drive from Chester.  We offer curbside pickup for online orders and fast overnight shipping via UPS.  From the end of Easter through mid-October, we also offer free shipping.