Our Story

Aigner Chocolates is one of New York City’s oldest chocolate shops, handcrafting fine collections in Forest Hills since 1930. 

Originally established as Krause’s Candy Kitchen, it has grown into a beloved neighborhood institution. The Aigner family took over in the early 1960s and ran the shop for three generations, preserving its legacy of quality sweets.

Recognized for its enduring legacy, the shop was added to the New York Historic Business Registry, honoring nearly a century of craftsmanship and community presence.

Aigner Chocolates exterior

A Legacy of Chocolate

What began as Krause’s Kitchen in 1930 evolved into a beloved neighborhood institution. The Aigner family took over the shop in the early 1960s, preserving the tradition of European-style chocolate making for generations. In 2015, Rachel Kellner became co-owner of Aigner Chocolates alongside her business partner, Mark Libertini. In 2026, Rachel now serves as sole owner and President, carrying the business into its next chapter.

The Chocolate

All Aigner chocolates are made on-site using time-honored equipment and recipes passed down through generations. Known for its traditional Austrian and German-style confections, the shop continues to balance classic techniques with modern tastes, producing chocolates that reflect nearly 100 years of craftsmanship.

Leadership & Vision

Rachel Kellner is a licensed clinical social worker. Her leadership is shaped by the belief that food can be a source of comfort, connection, and healing.

Under her direction, Aigner Chocolates is proudly women-led, WBENC certified and WBE certified in both New York City and New York State.

Community

Aigner Chocolates is deeply dedicated to the Queens community, continually seeking ways to support local organizations, schools, nonprofits, and hospitals. The company played a key role in founding Metro Village of Forest Hills, a business alliance on Metropolitan Avenue focused on preserving and strengthening the neighborhood. Each year, Aigner donates tens of thousands of dollars worth of chocolates, gift cards, and other contributions to community initiatives.

Quality & Passion with our chocolate!

Aigner Chocolate Shop

Our Mission

We spread joy and hope to communities through the magic of our chocolate.

Our Vision

Sharing our passion for the art of chocolate to make the world a better place.

Our Core Values

At Aigner Chocolates, we hold ourselves to high standards and value the importance of community, teamwork, solution-focused thinking, dedication, and striving for greatness. We believe in working together to create exceptional products that delight our customers while staying dedicated to our craft and continuously improving our processes. Our values guide us in every decision we make, and we strive to build a community that fosters growth and success for all.