David Bradley Chocolatier: A Neighborhood Indulgence

Few things satisfy the body like a sensuous slice of chocolate.  Luckily for local residents, the search for the perfect treat can be found in their own backyards.  Located on Route 9 North in Manalapan, David Bradley Chocolatier has quenched the desires of the sweet toothed since opening its doors in 2004. 

Upon entering, customers are greeted with a fresh store-made sample made to aid their selection process.  Even the most choosy of chocolate seekers are sure to find a snack they will fancy. 

David Bradley offers an array of confections, including a variety of chocolate covered pretzels, double dipped chocolate cookies, creamy fudge, and chocolate pops.  To simply list all items is to do a disservice.  One needs to view the possibilities to appreciate the devotion the company keeps for its craft.

The company was founded in 1977 in Broomall, Pennsylvania by a widow in search of an activity. "My parents Robert and Mary initially started the business as a way to give my grandma Alma something to do," Bradley Hicks, co-owner and Chief of Technology said.  "Hicks Sophisticated Chocolates was the initial name of the business with a single location selling Asher's and Godiva.  When they opened they weren't manufacturing."

The store was popular from the outset, and Robert, Mary, and Alma soon delved into manufacturing their own gourmet chocolate products.  As the company grew, Robert and Mary enlisted their children to assist in everyday operations.  Currently, brothers David and Bradley Hicks, along with sister Christine O'Brian, run day-to-day operations at the factory and store in Windsor, New Jersey.  David Bradley Chocolatier also has a third location in Cherry Hill.

The manufacturing process is intricate and detailed.  The company imports the chocolate, usually arriving in 50 pound cases.  The chocolate is then broken with a hammer, enabling it to fit into a melter that has a 200 pound capacity.  Next, the chocolate is melted at 120 degrees and then blended and rotated.  From there, the chocolate is placed into another machine at a lower temperature and chocolate shavings are added.  The chocolate is then tempered, giving it a shine, before being seeded.

"All day long we keep throwing chocolate in there to melt and blend.  We load it seven times or more a day," Hicks explained.  "We use two different milk chocolates, that's what gives us our unique flavor.  I can't divulge the name as it's a trade secret."

David Bradley currently manufactures 90 pieces of chocolate, though one item in particular consistently outsells the competition. 

"Chocolate covered pretzels are our number one item," Hicks claimed.  For those looking for a twist, the company offers the Giant Zany Pretzel.  "When they see it, they pick it up.  It's crushed pretzels pieces in the shape of pretzel, molded, just under a pound, 12 inches by 12 inches."

Another popular item is The Colossal Cup.  "It's like a Reeses', but gigantic.  Three inches in diameter and filled with M&Ms," explains the owner. 

"We try to stay with what the trend is and give people something they can't get from any other store," says co-owner Rita Snowden.  "We specialize more than the average chocolate shop.  Every theme is different and we work with the customer to get them exactly what they are looking for."

David Bradley even takes those bland fruits and gives them a sweet upgrade.  Depending on the season, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, raisins, and apples are all given the chocolate touch.

"We have speciality items for every holiday," says Hicks.  With Easter evolving into a chocolate lover's celebration, the store features a wide array of themed items.  "We offer chocolate covered peanut butter eggs and solid chocolate bunnies in different sizes.  We have biker bunnies on motorcycles, farmer bunnies, and a twelve pound hand decorated bunny."

"We do a nice assortment of Mother's Day gifts," adds Hicks.  "We make chocolate shoes and Oreo cookies with candy sugar cell phones on top."

The company plans to unveil six new pieces of chocolate in the coming months.  "We'll be introducing a new exclusive line of thinner chocolate, molded, with raspberries," Hicks says.

David Bradley Chocolatier has sold in the Trump Taj Mahal casino and Barney's New York.  Aside from the three store locations, their products can be found in Hallmark stores, local florists, and online at www.dbchocolate.com.