Candy making runs in our family.
We are micro-batch chocolatiers creating hand-crafted assorted candies, bars, specialty items and custom molded creations.
About Us
Our Family
We’re Pittsburgh natives. We’re fourth generation Greek-Americans. In 1921, my great-grandfather, John Paraskevas, immigrated from Greece to Pittsburgh. He worked as a baker and chocolatier at the Manos Baking Company. Fast forward to 1968. My grandparents, Harry and Catherine Paras, purchased Betsy Ann Chocolate. Betsy Ann Chocolate is managed by the Paras family to this day, over 55 years later.
Paras Candies is something entirely new. It combines the rich history of our family as chocolatiers and a passion for modern confections. With quality and taste as our guiding principles, we are carrying the Paras family’s tradition of chocolate making forward for the next 50 years.
Our Legacy
Legacy is a concept that has been around since the advent of modern civilization.
People strive to make a lasting impact on the world. They desire to positively affect people's lives and the world around them. Most of all, they want to be remembered for having done something meaningful and significant in life. And, if they're really, really lucky, they get to leave behind that special "something" for future generations.
The story of our family legacy is a sweet one. We have been putting smiles on people's faces in Pittsburgh for nearly 100 years. As bakers and chocolatiers, we've dedicated ourselves to spreading joy and happiness through our love of chocolate.
Chocolate makes people happy. It brings families and friends together to celebrate one of the simple pleasures in life.
The sweet nostalgia you feel when you see your favorite box of chocolates on the table during the holidays is unlike any other.
We do all that.
Our Story
Michael and Lauren Paras. Michael is the late Harry and Catherine Paras’ eldest grandson representing a fourth generation of chocolatier in the Paras family. Michael and Lauren are the founders of Paras Candies and Michael leads the company as President.
Michael graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in English literature and a minor in history. Currently, he leads Business Development, Partnerships, Product & Sales within SAE International's Sustainability Practice.
Lauren graduated from Clarion University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. While working full-time, she went on to complete her MBA from Robert Morris University. Lauren serves as a Business Manager at Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc (BPMI). In this role, she leads strategic initiatives and special projects for BPMI, responsible for procuring parts and components for the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.
In 2023, Michael and Lauren dedicated themselves to learning the art of candy making. Michael enrolled in Ecole Chocolat's Professional School of Chocolate Arts with the goal of gaining the fundamental knowledge and skills required of the modern chocolatier.
Paras Candies is the result of Michael and Lauren's passion and interest in all things chocolate.
Our Partners
Tyler Elliott is a Partner at Paras Candies. In a story that is quintessentially Pittsburgh, Tyler and Michael's Grandparents were long-time golfing friends. Like their grandparents before them, Tyler and Michael are friends and business partners after meeting and studying together at The Pennsylvania State University.
Tyler has spent 11 years in the banking sector working with family-owned businesses in relationship management. In this time, he’s gained extensive experience banking small to middle market manufacturing companies with annual revenues between $2M-$50M. Tyler manages everything from commercial loans, to treasury, to credit, to personal wealth. Much of his experience has been with PNC Bank, the 7th largest bank in the United States. Currently, he’s with Truist Bank, the 6th largest.
While working during the day, Tyler attended Indiana University at night to obtain his MBA, which he completed in 2018.
Tyler lives in Louisville, KY with his beautiful wife Emily and their two dogs, Bullett and Julep.
Our Ingredients
We only source local ingredients. We prioritize taste, flavor and quality above all else.
Our Chocolate
Tempered and handcrafted on marble slabs. Our chocolates are silky smooth. They reward your taste buds. The flavors are deep and rich, offering an unrivaled sensory experience. Don’t take our word for it. Decide for yourself.