Ryan Novak, Owner
When Ryan Novak was 16, he told The Chocolate Pizza Company’s founder, Bonnie Hanyak, that he wanted to own her company some day.  At 21, he realized that goal, having bought The Chocolate Pizza Company when Bonnie retired in July 2010.

Ryan grew up in Marcellus and graduated in the top 20 of his class from Marcellus High School.  He became the first Marcellus football player in 40 years to make a Division 1-A football roster when his skills as a place kicker earned him a spot on the team at Syracuse University.  He graduated in May 2011 from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management with a bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises (EEE). Syracuse University has one of the top rated entrepreneurship programs in the country.  Ryan is a volunteer football coach at the high school, plays alto saxophone and watches out for his little brother, Connor.

Ryan started working at the Chocolate Pizza Company when he was 15, washing dishes, mopping floors and stocking shelves.  Over the years, he learned every facet of the business.  In his first year as owner, he more than doubled annual sales and is set to take the company to the next level of success.

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Christie Yesersky, Chief Financial Advisor
Every successful business has a sharp financial mind behind the scenes and for The Chocolate Pizza Company Christie Yesersky fills that need.  Christie graduated with honors from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management, finishing a 4 year bachelor’s degree in just 3 years.  She was president of Beta Alpha Psi, served as a resident advisor and supervisor, earned awards for academic excellence and community service, was a member of the Syracuse Dance Team and was selected as one of the top 10 students in the business school.

Pursuing her CPA credentials, Christie has completed her master’s degree in Accounting at Syracuse University.  Her experience includes work with Dermody, Burke and Brown and an internship with Price Waterhouse Cooper in Boston, Massachusetts.  Christie’s role in maintaining and analyzing The Chocolate Pizza Company’s financial records and business reports is an important component of growing the operation.

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Chocolate Pizza Company Team
Our team is what makes Chocolate Pizza Company special.  Talented, hardworking and there when we need them, more than a dozen team members contribute to the company's growth and success every day.  Whether it is the experience of Kathy and Ann in the kitchen or the fresh ideas of Alyson on the retail front, each of our many team members makes a difference in keeping the tradition and quality of Chocolate Pizza alive and well.