BY STACI WILSON

Master chocolatier Leopold Schreiber opened his first shop 21 years ago in downtown Binghamton, N.Y. Now, the Montrose-based candy maker is returning to the Triple Cities area with the opening of a new shop in Johnson City.

Schreiber, with Chocolates by Leopold business developer Michelle Depue, took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday at the new storefront on Reynolds Road, Johnson City.

“It feels like I’m coming home,” Schreiber said. “This is where the business started.”

Schreiber operated a store in the Metro Center on Court Street in Binghamton, N.Y., until the complex sold and he lost his lease.

Wooed by the Montrose Restoration Committee, Scheiber relocated to Montrose. The addition of Depue and production manager Tom Follert in the past few years has allowed the business to flourish beyond his expectations.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “I never imagined we would have three locations.”

In addition to the Montrose and Johnson City stores, another Chocolates by Leopold shop is opening in State College.

The handmade, gourmet chocolates will continue to be created at the factory in Montrose.

Schreiber uses the lost art of starch-casting creams in a cornstarch infused with mineral oil – making the candy centers creamy and flavorful with less sugar and no fillers.

His signature candy is Buttercrunch, a century old German butter toffee recipe handed down through the generations from master confectioner to master confectioner. The toffee squares are hand-dipped in chocolate (milk and dark are available); then rolls them in crushed almonds. Even the almonds are given attention as they are roasted in butter to intensify the flavor before covering the chocolate toffee square.

Although he left New York to come to Montrose, Schreiber’s customers continued to “make the trek” for his chocolates, Depue said. “They have been loyal to him all these years,” she said.

At the ribbon cutting, Schreiber thanked his “team” for making the business expansion a reality. “Everybody put their heart and soul into this business,” he said.

Johnson City Mayor Greg Deemie and Town of Union Supervisor Rose Sotak presented plaques to Shreiber and Depue, welcoming Chocolates by Leopold back to the area.

“I’m glad you enjoy what you do,” Sotak joked, “because I enjoy eating what you do.”

The newly opened Chocolates by Leopold store is located at 214C Reynolds Road, Johnson City (adjacent to the Ground Round). The store is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Montrose shop is located at 170 Church St., next to Lee’s Furniture and Radio Shack.

For information, visit www.ChocolatesByLeopold.com.