The Chocolate Gecko started in the basement of a second generation chocolatier Lissa D'Aquanni in 1998.

She learned chocolate making at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, but was influenced by her Aunt Loretta, who introduced her to chocolate-making 20 years ago when D’Aquanni was in high school. Lissa went on to win many awards for chocolate making as well as community service and excellence in business.

Lissa opened her retail store on Delaware Avenue in Albany, NY which can only be remembered as a grass roots community effort. Neighbors and friends came out to help in droves to bring great chocolates to Albany…

“When I began the Chocolate Gecko, my goal was to make great-tasting, fresh chocolates. I felt that the chocolates on the market were all mass-produced with stabilizers, additives and preservatives that would allow them to sit on a shelf for six months. I wanted to offer my customers a great product that was made fresh from only the finest ingredients. I think I have and I think that’s one of the reasons that the Chocolate Gecko is so successful. The other reason (The Chocolate Gecko has been successful) is because of my support network. My friends, family, and a network of other entrepreneurs encourage me to stay focused, to keep making chocolate, and to keep growing the business. They help spread the word about my chocolate and they help me make the chocolates when the orders come pouring in. They have been key to the success of The Chocolate Gecko.”

In February of 2007 Lissa sold the Business to us: Terra, Esti, Chris & Luis. She had many offers but held out for a good fit. She wanted someone who was community minded, and would uphold her standards of quality as well as someone who could grow the business responsibly … After all, The Chocolate Gecko is her baby.

We hope to live up to her vision, by remaining philanthropical and to continue to offer amazing chocolates made with love.

We are also working tirelessly on earth friendly packaging; which includes recycled and bio-degradable bags. Even our labels are going green. Join our email list to stay up to date on “The Gecko Goes Green” promise.

Also to minimize our carbon footprint we do not do any mailings or print material including wholesale all, billing and marketing is done via the web.

In May of 2007 The Chocolate Gecko opened a retail outlet at 540 Delaware Ave inside Laurel’s Flower.

In the summer of 2008 we opened our new kitchen at 21 Colvin Ave in Albany, Click Here to see pictures Thank you Lissa and Albany, for all of your wonderful support; check back soon to see what’s on the horizon…