Great Lakes Chocolate Grand Opening
A PRETTY SWEET ADDITION TO DOWNTOWN SANDUSKY
SANDUSKY, OH — A new handcrafted chocolate shop is opening in Downtown Sandusky this March. Great Lakes Chocolate, located inside The Marketplace Downtown at 133 E. Market St., will celebrate its ribbon cutting with the Greater Sandusky Partnership followed by its public Grand Opening weekend on March 7–8, 2026.
The ribbon cutting will be held in conjunction with a private preview event for partners and supporters. The shop will officially open to the public on Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Great Lakes Chocolate will feature handmade chocolates, caramels, rotating selections of bonbons, candied nuts, and other confections produced in-house. The production space is visible from the retail area, allowing customers to observe the chocolate-making process.
“This has been something we have talked about for a few years,” said co-owner Mike Hicks. “My sister was a chocolatier for about a decade, and as we traveled to other Great Lakes coastal towns, shops like this were staples in those cities and towns. We felt it was something Sandusky was missing.”
The business expands co-owners, Mike Hick’s and Ryan Henry’s, presence inside The Marketplace, joining their existing ventures Henry’s Shoppes and Wild Thistle.
“It provides a different experience and adds another shopping destination within the Marketplace,” said Hicks.
Great Lakes Chocolate will produce most of its offerings on-site, creating an interactive retail experience. Early practice batches have already generated enthusiasm, particularly for the shop’s caramels.
“We are going to be making most of what we sell in house,” Henry said. “Those who come in will be able to see the full production space, and possibly us making them.”
The owners selected Downtown Sandusky for its continued growth and energy.
“We love being downtown and being a part of the continued growth of the city,” Henry said.
Patrick Shepherd, Director of Member Services at the Greater Sandusky Partnership, said the addition of Great Lakes Chocolate reflects the ongoing vibrancy of the downtown business district.
“Downtown Sandusky continues to evolve as a destination for shopping, dining, and unique local experiences,” Shepherd said. “Great Lakes Chocolate will draw shoppers to the retail scene inside The Marketplace and gives both visitors and the local community another reason to spend time downtown. We are fortunate Ryan and Mike have chosen to increase their investment in Sandusky.”
The shop’s opening also coincides with the start of Sandusky Restaurant Week, taking place March 5–15. Visitors enjoying participating downtown restaurants are encouraged to stop by Great Lakes Chocolate for a sweet treat before or after dining.
Looking ahead, the owners hope the shop becomes a long-term fixture in the district.
“It would be really nice to see it become a staple destination in downtown Sandusky,” Henry said. “We are looking forward to welcoming the community that has been so supportive into our new space.”
For more information, visit Great Lakes Chocolate inside The Marketplace Downtown at 133 E. Market St., Sandusky or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Great-Lakes-Chocolate/61585859747164/