A Chocolate Dream mother-daughter team share recipe for success
By Nina Livingstone
Vicki Frassica and Mary Nielsen
A Chocolate Dream on Leonard Street in Belmont Center has been thriving for almost three decades, thanks to mother-daughter duo Mary Nielsen and Vicki Frassica.
When small businesses felt the oppressive crush from the pandemic, the two women learned to pivot with grace — and support. They upped their online presence and promoted curbside pick-up, delivery, and shipping. “Some of our clients donated money to support us, which was very unexpected and unbelievably generous,” Vicki added.
Another boost to the business came in the form of a request from a West Coast company that wanted to know if A Chocolate Dream could meet their Valentine deadline. The local chocolate shop was able to do it, assembling 60 boxes and adding Dove to their list of corporate clients.
Their personal favorites? Mary’s is dark caffe lattes. Vicki’s is dark chocolate orange peel or the Buttercrunch. And how about the business’ name? Both women came up with it — separately. “We definitely had our answer seeing how we loved the name individually,” said Vicki.
I know I’ve been a fan since A Chocolate Dream opened. It was the irresistible catch of chocolate in the air that lured me in and the amazing selection of fine chocolates and the friendly team behind the counter that keeps me coming back. It is definitely one of the most enchanting neighborhood shops in the center. So if you like chocolate, you will love A Chocolate Dream!
A Chocolate Dream, 68 Leonard St. Belmont, Massachusetts, or visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
1995 article on A Chocolate Dream
NINA: Since A Chocolate Dream opened in 1995, what is one of your most memorable moments?
VICKI: When a 12-year-old boy was in the store and purchased a bag of candy. At that time, a police officer was in our store shopping. This young boy handed his bag of candy to the police officer and said, “I bought this for you, thank you for your service.” Mary and I were both amazed! How heartfelt this was! And we will never forget this!!!!
NINA: If you could invite four celebrities to your home for dinner, who would they be and what would you serve?
VICKI: Hugh Jackman, Tom Brady, Julia Roberts, and Sandra Bullock. We would serve lobsters and have a clambake, and of course serve our finest chocolates!
NINA: What is your idea of a getaway vacation?
VICKI: Someplace warm, on a nice beach, reading a good book.
NINA: What do you like most about yourself?
VICKI: What we like most about ourselves is our compassion, kindness and gratitude for life and people.
Vicki, daughters Isabel and Lexi, and Mary
NINA: What should we know about you before meeting you?
VICKI: Before meeting us, you should know we are pleasant, easy going and eager to help in any way.
NINA: Rewinding time, what was your happiest moment?
VICKI: Our happiest moment? There are so many — from opening our doors in 1995 to making it through the pandemic to present day!
NINA: What Netflix/streaming network series got you through the pandemic and which ones do you recommend now?
VICKI: We love Netflix and it definitely helped us through the pandemic. My all-time favorite would be “The Crown,” and I highly recommend “Fauda” (4 seasons) .
MARY: “Breaking Bad” and I highly recommend “The Chosen.”
NINA: What are your most popular chocolates?
VICKI: Chocolate pecan turtles, Buttercrunch and salted caramels. We also carry a huge line of nut-free products that is very popular all year round for children and adults with nut allergies.
Chocolate Truffles at A Chocolate Dream
NINA: When you get a gift, does anyone ever give you chocolates?
VICKI: No one has given us chocolates as a gift; one time a friend from Iceland brought us some truffles from there to try. We loved that!
NINA: Picture it, you’re 25 years old, where would you be? And would you do anything differently?
VICKI: We would like to have invested in Amazon.com or Google.
