The Madelaine Chocolate Company

- 96-03 Beach Channel Dr, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693

A taste of New York's history, wrapped in colorful Italian foil, awaits you in Queens. The Madelaine Chocolate Company, a venerable institution nestled in the heart of Rockaway Beach, has been sweetening the lives of New Yorkers and families across the country for over seven decades. More than just a chocolate shop or a candy store, Madelaine is a fully operational chocolate factory—a true American-made manufacturer that has earned its place as an essential part of the Rockaway small business scene and a pillar of the New York confectionary world.

Established in 1949 by brothers-in-law Henry Kaye and Jack Gold in a small loft in Lower New York City, the company was named to evoke a sense of "elegance and sophistication," inspired by a popular Hollywood actress of the time. This foundation of quality and style, combined with a commitment to providing great-tasting, affordable chocolate, has been the bedrock of their success. Madelaine is particularly renowned for its beautifully molded novelty chocolates, often seen delighting children and adults alike in holiday stockings and Easter baskets.

The company’s dedication to its craft involves sourcing traditional recipes and unique wrapping techniques, with mold designs initially discovered in the Netherlands and high-quality, colorful Italian foils that are still in use today. This blend of international inspiration and American production makes every piece a treat for both the eyes and the palate. They are most famous for their festive, molded shapes—think chocolate Santas, Easter bunnies, hearts, and celebratory coins, often a staple in local drugstores and major retailers during peak seasons.

The story of Madelaine is also one of incredible New York resilience. While their facility, which occupies three square blocks in the Rockaways, was once the single largest employer in the area, it suffered catastrophic damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The factory faced a devastating shutdown and immense rebuilding effort, with an estimated $50 million in damage to machinery and inventory. However, with the support of the community and city recovery funds, the factory was successfully rebuilt. This powerful resurgence is a testament to the family's deep commitment to Rockaway Beach and to their loyal workforce, ensuring that this iconic New York chocolate factory continues its sweet legacy.

As a local New Yorker seeking out quality American-made confections, visiting or purchasing from Madelaine is a way to connect with a genuine piece of the city’s manufacturing heritage. Their presence not only provides delicious treats but also sustains jobs and contributes to the local economy of Queens.

The Madelaine Chocolate Company’s products are often found in major retail chains, but the company also maintains an on-site presence for local New York customers.

The Madelaine Chocolate Company is located in the beautiful, resilient community of Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York, making it a distinctive local destination for anyone seeking sweets straight from the source.

The full street address for the factory and headquarters is:

96-03 Beach Channel Dr, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693, USA

For New Yorkers who rely on public transportation, getting to the Rockaways is readily accomplished via the MTA system:

• Subway: Take the 'A' train (Far Rockaway-bound) and switch to the Rockaway Park Shuttle at Broad Channel. Stations along the peninsula, such as Beach 90 St or Beach 98 St, are generally a short walk or a quick bus connection away from the factory area.
• Bus: Numerous MTA buses service the area, including the Q22, Q52-SBS, and Q53-SBS, with stops along Rockaway Beach Boulevard and Beach Channel Drive.
• Ferry: The NYC Ferry’s Rockaway route provides a scenic and enjoyable way to reach the peninsula, disembarking at the Beach 108th Street ferry landing, which is just a short distance from the factory's vicinity.

For customers planning to visit the on-site factory outlet or store, the hours are typically structured to accommodate local trade and retail customers, although they should always be confirmed prior to travel. Publicly available information suggests the outlet store, located near Beach 95th St and Rockaway Freeway, is generally open:

Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

It is strongly recommended to call ahead to the factory for the most current retail store hours, especially around holidays when demand is highest and operations may be subject to seasonal changes.

The Madelaine Chocolate Company offers a variety of services, positioning itself as a comprehensive source for quality chocolate and confectionery needs, whether for an individual treat or a major order:

• Retail Sales: Offering their full range of chocolates, including their famous foil-wrapped novelties, truffles, bridge mix, malt balls, and sugar-free options at their Rockaway Beach outlet.
• Wholesale & Distribution: Supplying their distinctively foiled and molded chocolates to pharmacies, gift shops, and major retailers nationwide.
• Custom Packaging & Product Development: Providing specialized services for clients looking for bespoke chocolate creations and unique packaging solutions.
• Delivery Service: Ensuring that their products can reach customers outside of a physical visit.

The company’s capabilities include impressive production capacities, with their foiling process capable of wrapping up to 1,200 pieces per minute, demonstrating their significant role as a large-scale manufacturer while maintaining a family-owned focus on traditional taste.

As a company with a rich New York history, The Madelaine Chocolate Company possesses several key features that make it a uniquely appealing choice for local shoppers and businesses:

• Longstanding Heritage: A family-owned and operated company since 1949, built by Henry Kaye and Jack Gold, with a profound history in New York City's manufacturing sector.
• Iconic Novelty Shapes: Famous for their detailed, molded chocolates—Santas, Easter eggs, bunnies, and more—which are fixtures in American holiday traditions, often appreciated for their creamy and flavorful milk chocolate.
• Resilience and Local Commitment: The factory’s successful and complete rebuilding after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy demonstrated a deep-seated commitment to the Rockaway community and its New York employees.
• High-Quality Foiling: Using unique, imported, high-quality colorful Italian foils that set their wrapped chocolates apart visually.
• Certifications: Products are certified Kosher and Halal, expanding accessibility to a wider community of consumers with specific dietary guidelines.
• Physical Accessibility: The factory outlet is designed with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access for all customers.

For local customers in Queens and the wider New York area, supporting a historic, family-run business like Madelaine is a meaningful choice. Their commitment to making an enjoyable, traditional chocolate treat for every family occasion, without making overly luxurious claims, means their products are consistently priced for accessible enjoyment.

Whether you are picking up last-minute Hanukkah gelt, Easter eggs, or a simple chocolate treat, the Madelaine brand delivers a nostalgic, familiar taste that has been a part of the New York family life for generations. Their product quality, which long-time customers describe as creamy, silky, and reliably delicious, especially their classic milk chocolate, makes it a reliable choice for everyday and holiday needs. The detailed molding and appealing presentation further ensure that they remain a popular choice for gifts and seasonal decorations.

The sheer perseverance of the company—bouncing back from a crisis that would have shuttered many other businesses—makes its ongoing success a point of pride for the Rockaway community and New York manufacturing. When you purchase a Madelaine product, you are choosing a company that is deeply invested in the city and committed to creating jobs and maintaining an American-made product.

For general inquiries, corporate information, or to confirm factory outlet hours, you can reach The Madelaine Chocolate Company at their Far Rockaway location.

Address:

96-03 Beach Channel Dr, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693, USA

Phone:

(718) 945-1500

The Madelaine Chocolate Company is a New York story—a testament to perseverance, family tradition, and the simple pleasure of a good piece of chocolate. Whether you are stocking up for a holiday or simply seeking a sweet moment, this Rockaway Beach factory offers a genuine, American-made taste of history. We encourage all New Yorkers to visit the area, support this incredible local business, and enjoy the delicious, finely-wrapped tradition that Madelaine has perfected since 1949.

The Madelaine Chocolate Company

96-03 Beach Channel Dr, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693, USA