"It is healthier for you," says Eleanor Newman, owner of Chocolate Emporium candy kitchen and shop.

Eleanor began making Kosher chocolates to serve the large Jewish community in the Heights. And hers is a world of dark chocolate only.

Chocolate Emporium does not make milk chocolate because its kitchen is entirely dairy-free. The chocolates have become popular with vegans and those with nut allergies.

"We are the only dairy-free candy kitchen in Ohio and one of only a handful nationwide," Newman said. 

The firm's sales are equally divided between local retail sales and internet sales all over the country. 

"Local business dropped the past two years as the economy went bad,"  Newman said, "but on-line sales actually increased during the recession."

A great deal of the firm's sales are to other Cleveland-area businesses, such as the Cavaliers, hotels and banks.

Marketing Director Ronnie Stavsky makes "local" a big part of her pitch when offering Chocolate Emporium chocolates to local businesses for their customers.

"We are all working in Ohio," she says. "Everyone here is local. Our boxes are local. Our chocolates are made here."

Kaley Combes has been making candy at Chocolate Emporium only a few weeks. She admits temptation is an occupational hazard.

"I love chocolate," she says. "Every day I tell myself I'm not going to eat the chocolate, but every day I do, and I've gained a few pounds already."

WKYC-TV