Ron Fedeles, Owner of Fedele’s Chocolates.
“Grumpy people leave happy. It’s funny how sugar and chocolate can change someone.”
– Ron Fedele
On December 17th, 1987, Ron and Kathie Fedele opened the doors to Fedele’s Chocolates in Pembroke Crossing with a firm commitment, “To provide superior confections and exceptional customer service.” Almost everything was handmade from the highest-quality ingredients, and the most popular item was fudge.
Today, 38 years later, virtually nothing has changed. Ron and Kathie still run the company. Almost everything is still made by hand, and most importantly, the customer remains at the forefront of everything they do. “We’re extremely service-oriented. The customer is still our main focus,” he proudly asserts.
Fedele’s Chocolates sells pretty much the same chocolates they always have. “It’s the same chocolate we opened with. Same small kitchen, same philosophy,” Ron confides. “I rock the classics and will do so for the rest of my life.” His voice has an ever-so-slight air of rebellion.
Fudge is still one of their best sellers, although the dynamics of selling have changed with the times. “We sell it on Amazon in addition to being available in the shop, and online at FedelesChocolates.com,” he says. “I think we’ve shipped to every state but Montana at this point.”
Many hands make sweets work!
That’s not to say Ron is against creativity. His past experimentations with pumpkin, cranberry-walnut, and even sugar-free recipes serve as evidence that even an old chocolate maker can be taught new flavors. It’s just up to his staff to talk him into new ideas. “I’m open to trying something new, but I certainly don’t go looking for it.”
Ron’s reluctance isn’t because he’s at a sort of grumpy, “get off my chocolate lawn” point in his career. Rather, it comes from a love of tradition. He revels in seeing customers return each year, seeking out the treats they enjoyed growing up, and sharing those edible memories with their families.
Ron Fedele is a true “Maestro” of chocolate, conducting flavor, texture, and craft.
That bond with customers and the joy of sharing chocolate make his future somewhat murky. “The question of the day is when and if I retire. I don’t see it coming. It’s fun to come to work,” he shares. “It’s just a fantastic business. You are meeting people, selling things they enjoy. Grumpy people leave happy. It’s funny how sugar and chocolate can change someone. We treat all our customers like they’re our friends, because a lot of them are.”
As we wrap up our conversation, I ask if Ron still eats lots of chocolate. A quiet pause, then a soft chuckle. “Are you going to publish this?”
Some things never change.
Fedeles Chocolates
Village Landing Marketplace
170 Water St.
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508)746-8907
Fedeles Chocolates
Anderson Plaza
95 Church St.
Pembroke, MA 02359
(781)826-0669
