Chocolate-maker vows to be back in business

BOARDMAN — Shelton-Mathews Chocolates will be back in business sometime next year, its owner said.

The company shut its Boardman store in July and stopped producing its nationally acclaimed treats in September because the operation wasn’t meeting its overhead costs.

“It was the first time I was in business for myself, and I’ve learned a lot of lessons,” said Dr. Jeffrey Stover, who bought the company from its founder in 2004.

He said he had taken on too much debt at the time.

This time, Dr. Stover plans to build a revenue stream by leasing his building at 4150 Market St. to a restaurant operator.

Later in 2008, Dr. Stover intends to start producing chocolates again. At first, however, he will stick to Internet sales. Once that is profitable, he intends to reopen his “chocolate cafe,” which featured the company’s award-winning chocolates, gourmet desserts and coffee.

For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.