The History of Alps Sweet Shop

Picture this: 1922 and Greek immigrant Peter Charkalis (Char-kal-iss) is processed through Ellis Island and ventures his way up the Hudson River. A stop at Beacon on the East shore, Peter rode the famed Mt Beacon incline to1150 feet above the Hudson, where the breathtaking view was all he needed to declare “I can be happy here!” With his life’s savings and beautiful wife Sally, Peter set up shop at 199 Main Street and plied his trade of candymaking along with a popular soda fountain that became everyone’s “must stop” after a movie or Sunday services!

People came from far and wide, took the Ferry and took the train to buy Alps Chocolates! Other Greeks even came to Peter to learn the trade which he took pride in helping another family take root and make a go of it in spite of the Great Depression.

The Alps grew, and of Peter and Sally’s three children, Peter Jr. decided to make chocolate his life’s work as well. Taking over the business in 1973, Peter Jr. and his wife Mary brought the Alps to a whole new level. They closed the soda fountain and dedicated their shop exclusively to meeting the demand for their now famed chocolates. The opening of a second store in Fishkill was with the idea of meeting demand; not to the surprise of many, it only created a greater demand!

Today the Alps is owned and operated by the Founder’s granddaughter Sally. After graduating college she traveled the world, learned from many, especially her Dad, and with her husband Terry, a trained artisan Chocolatier, has vowed to maintain the original recipes with the addition of new pieces on the cutting edge of the chocolate world! From their famous “Signal Fire Toffee” to rich, decadent truffles, the Alps Sweet Shop makes over 100 different confections to satisfy every taste!

Stop in, call or email Sally for all your indulgence and gifting needs!