LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — This Friday, Michael Mootz Candies in Hanover Township is filling shopping baskets instead of Easter baskets. Customers have their eyes set on one thing.
"Chocolate, we were up to the road to the bakery, oh and the peanut butter meltaways," said Mary Lofing of Shavertown.
Michael Mootz Candies is helping the Easter bunny this holiday by offering chocolate in every shape, size, and flavor on the shelf.
"These three days, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday leading up to Easter are our three busiest days of the year in our store," said President Jason Mootz.
It's a tradition that keeps these customers coming back year after year.
"Ionger than I can even remember. They have excellent candy and he service is great," said Jamie Jordan, of West Pittston.
It's tradition for the Mootz's, too, as Chocolate has been in the family for four generations.
"It was my grandmother that started making candy in Pottsville in the early 1900's. So, it's a great tradition and we're so happy keep it going," added Mootz.
As with any tradition, customers know exactly what they're looking for.
"They're the only place that has molasses coconut eggs," said Jordan.
"Anytime we have people coming in for the holiday, they're getting those holiday seasonal things- but they're also sticking with the staples," added Mootz.
As it's the time of year to indulge in some chocolate.
"I try not to eat a lot of candy, but I have a weakness," said Mark Lofing.
And we mean really indulge with a 30-pound bunny on display. It takes months of preparation.
"We need cold to do some of the really big bunnies we have the 30 pounder next to me here," said Mootz.
Some say they'll stick with tradition and wait until Sunday.
"I fasted off chocolate pie, cake, chocolate, candy, and ice cream for lunch, so no chocolate for me until Sunday," said Jordan.
Others, not so much.
"We might not wait. The kids are grown and gone. We don't have to wait now," laughed Lofing.
Michael Mootz Candies will be open until 8 p.m. on Saturday night. For those with a sweet tooth looking to stock up, the store will have half-priced Easter candy on Monday.