Forest Hills chocolatiers celebrate 90 years

Aigner Chocolates co-owners Rachel Kellner and Mark Libertini. Photo courtesy of Aigner

By David Brand

A beloved Forest Hills chocolate shop will celebrate its 90th anniversary next week with a social distanced party along Metropolitan Avenue Sept. 13.

Aigner Chocolates has been a Forest Hills mainstay since 1930, using the same antique equipment to create tasty treats for generations of Queens residents. Aigner has survived the Depression, World War II and the big box onslaught on small businesses. Today, not even a pandemic can stop the shop from serving the community, and giving back to frontline workers fighting COVID-19.

In addition to donating chocolate to medical workers, co-owners Rachel Kellner and Mark Libertini introduced the Rainbow Bunny Exchange, an initiative that enables young New Yorkers to feel more involved in supporting front line workers in Queens. The shop invited children to draw rainbows and write messages of support in exchange for a free chocolate bunny pop. 

Aigner Chocolates collected more than 300 drawings and delivered them to Elmhurst Hospital’s Helping Healers Heal program. 

“Giving back during this unprecedented time was an easy decision. We continue to envision how Aigners is not only a chocolate shop, but also a source of healing for the community,” said Rachel Kellner, co-owner of Aigner Chocolates.

The Sept. 13 celebration will feature an array of local leaders, including Rep. Grace Meng. 

After the pandemic subsides, Kellner and Libertini plan to host an even grander extravaganza.

 “We feel honored to be able to continue the Aigners tradition and feel a unique sense of pride when we hear stories of customers who have been purchasing confections from us for their family celebrations for generations.” Libertini said.