PIRIKA CHOCOLATE

My enjoyment of chocolate is undimmed, even though I try to keep my blood sugar in check. True chocolate purists, though, will accept only dark chocolate that is unsoiled by sugar; but I cannot help it, I like what I like and will have a Hershey or Cadbury bar every so often. Today, the candy world, while still boasting multiple manufacturers, is dominated by the Mars and Hershey giants. NYC, though, once featured a plethora of candy manufacturers such as Rockwood, whose factory in Fort Greene is still there, and Mason, Au and Mangenheimer, whose magnificent building still stands in Brooklyn Heights.

Another such candy manufacturer is Pirika, and their factory building still stands at #972 Dean Street in Prospect Heights, a block north of one of my favorite food halls, the now-shuttered Berg’n. Pirika was founded in 1898 by John Randolph Stout and moved to Dean Street in 1902, going through a number of buildings including one built by famed architect Theobald Engelhart, and lastly in this building from 1920, according to the Indispensable Walter Grutchfield.

Pirika, whose ad shown at left in the magnificent original Cheltenham font appeared in the old Brooklyn Eagle, was a big deal in its day and supplied chocolate to American troops in Europe during World War I. However, bad business practices found Pirika in debt for $500,000, lots more in today’s money, and the company went out of business in 1925, a century ago, and Stout and his partners went bankrupt, a sad ending.

The name “Pirika” is puzzling, but like Maypo, it may be a made-up name.

Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the  gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site. 

8/12/25