Welcome,

I am Ryan Novak, the new owner of The Chocolate Pizza Company!

The Chocolate Pizza Company was founded by Bonnie Hanyak over 20 years ago.  Bonnie originally planned on having a small floral and gift basket store but her success quickly grew.  In 1992, Bonnie created her unique Chocolate Pizzas, blending premium chocolate with the famous Cummings Candy recipe from 1919 for English Toffee and topping it all with pecans, almonds and walnuts.  It was a taste masterpiece.  She later added Peanut Butter Wings - locally produced potato chips, covered in peanut butter and dipped in chocolate - to her line so that she could offer "Chocolate Pizza and Peanut Butter Wings."  Today, the Chocolate Pizza Company's primary focus is delivering our delicious chocolate products to you!

When I was a toddler, my mom used to take me into the store when it was across the street from our house.  Bonnie Hanyak, the company’s founder, tells me I was very good at finding the chocolate sample tray even from my stroller.  When my mom died in 1998, Bonnie was one of the many people in our community who helped me and my dad get back on our feet.  When I was 15, I asked Bonnie for my first part-time job.  She didn’t have one but she hired me anyway.  I washed a lot of dishes but I loved the business and found Bonnie a wonderful mentor.  I told her then that when she was ready that I wanted to own The Chocolate Pizza Company.  She remembered that and over the years has taught me everything about the business.  Now, she wants to retire and I'm excited to continue building on her success.

Bonnie has graciously agreed to stay on with our team for awhile in a consulting role so we will have the benefit of her expertise.  This is particularly helpful as I will be finishing my bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University this fall where I am majoring in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises and where I have earned Dean’s List grades every term.  My schedule promises to busy juggling the business and finishing my degree but I’ll enjoy every minute!

Being featured by Food Network’s hit show, Unwrapped, gave the company a national client base but we know there is much more we can do to build the brand.  I will be looking for new ways to get our chocolate pizza, wings, gelato and other fantastic products out to new customers and invite your ideas as well. We hope you enjoy this new website which really showcases our offerings and makes online ordering a breeze any time of the day.  Plus, look for us on Facebook and Twitter. 

I want to expand the business we do with companies, associations and other organizations that are looking for unique ways to thank, impress or treat employees, clients or vendors.  Our premium chocolates are an ideal answer to business gifts.  Expect us to do more with wedding favors, party trays and gift baskets too.  There are so many opportunities!

I want to invite you if you are in the area to stop out and visit our store at 60 East Main Street in Marcellus.  Exciting times are ahead and I look forward to sharing those with you.  Thanks!

Sincerely,

Ryan Novak

Bonnie Hanyak, founder of The Chocolate Pizza Company passes a chocolate pizza to new owner, Ryan Novak