Asher’s Chocolate has evolved significantly since its founding in 1892, but still maintains its family legacy. Lisa Dukart highlights the company named a 2024 family-owned business award honoree for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Over the years, Ashers shifted from producing an assortment of confections in Center City Philadelphia to focusing on premium chocolates at its Souderton location. The company has remained a family legacy, passing through four generations, with a fifth now involved.

A pivotal change came in 2016 when Jeff Asher took sole ownership by buying out his cousins. Despite uncertainty about whether his children, Chester and Sophie, would join the business, their interest solidified post-pandemic, steering them toward Asher’s. Sophie joined in 2019, finding her passion unexpectedly, while Chester now leads as the director of marketing.

Looking ahead, the company is exploring new product possibilities. “One of the things we’ve talked about, and we’ll see how it plays out, but there’s the (cannabis) edibles side of things and chocolate and that is a great combination,” Jeff said.

Jeff believes they are now in a position to plan for the future, emphasizing the importance of preparing Chester and Sophie for eventual leadership. Chester and Sophie credit their father’s strategic leadership for positioning the company for long-term success and cherish the joy their family business brings to its customers. The focus remains on maintaining Asher’s legacy while “spreading the sweetness” to future generations.

Read more about the Asher’s Chocolate’s family legacy in the Philadelphia Business Journal.