When Hollywood productions visit Western New York, like has happened a good deal in recent weeks, it’s not just the region’s image that gets a boost.
Local businesses likewise benefit, whether it be directly from some sort of a plug or indirectly from the good word-of-mouth that comes from the people involved in the production.
In the case of a local chocolatier, both of those benefits may be realized tonight.
Niagara Falls-based Niagara Honeymoon Sweets was called upon in August to help out a regular client, the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Third Street in Niagara Falls, with a rather large order. The hotel was hosting the cast and crew of “The Office” — in town to shoot a wedding episode of the NBC sitcom that airs tonight — and hotel management wanted the chocolate maker to provide some gifts to be given to those guests.
“I believe in local-grown products, promoting the local businesses in your area,” said Rick Crogan, the Crowne’s food and beverage director. “When we found out they were staying here, I called her and asked her for all bridal-themed things.”
“Her” is Mary Ann Hess, who runs the chocolate company. Specializing in customized orders, she first filled crystal glasses (that featured hearts lining the stem) with white chocolate buttered raspberry hearts. She then filled boxes with Niagara Falls medallions, chocolate-covered coffee beans and coated cookies such as biscotti and macaroons. Topping things off were a series of chocolate cameras.
“I just thought it would be unique,” said Hess, who spent about a day on the order.
Crogan heard nothing but good things from his guests about the gifts.
“They loved them,” said Crogan, who’s been back in Niagara County about 18 months after living elsewhere the previous 25 years. “For people that have been to Niagara Falls, it’s great to give them that back to go home with.”
Crogan could not confirm, however, whether Hess’ items were featured in the episode. NBC denied a request to release an advance copy of tonight’s episode for review, and photos from the episode that have been released do not show any of her merchandise.
“These items were taken out of the hotel,” was all Crogan could verify. “They were not left here. The maids did not dispose of them.”
Either way, Hess is happy just to see her product receive some sort of recognition. Also a full-time barber at Bucky’s Barber Shop in Niagara Falls, chocolate has become a pretty sweet side gig for her over the years.
In addition to her work with the hotel, she’s created chocolates for functions at Niagara University’s Castellani Art Museum, as well as Marjim Manor in Appleton and the Niagara Falls Fire Department. She’s especially proud of her Niagara Falls medallions — which she sells as part of box sets as a way to show civic pride — but enjoys the challenge of coming up with something new for each client.
“It was a surprise when they called,” Hess said of the “Office” order. “It’s good — encouraging.”
Crogan was more glowing.
“I want people, when they come to Niagara Falls, to take back something of Niagara Falls,” he said. “(Hess’) things blow the guests away.”
In addition to “The Office,” crews recently visited Niagara Falls to shoot the feature film “After Life,” which is expected to be released worldwide in January. Keanu Reeves was also scouting out locations in North Tonawanda and Erie County earlier this fall for his next film, “Henry’s Crime,” which will begin shooting in November. Brad Pitt, meanwhile, visited Niagara Falls as a tourist this past summer with some family members (but not his wife, Angelina Jolie).
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