Chocolate Goat has Mother's Day covered

By Laurie Gordon
Lafayette — If what to get mom for Mother's Day has “got your goat,” look no further than a charming chocolatier in the hamlet of Lafayette. The Chocolate Goat has gourmet chocolate, for sure, but what some don't know is that they also carry a lot of unique gifts as well. This Mother's Day, owners Jennifer and Stephanie Koza are highlighting their jewelry lines which offer something in every price range.
The lines they carry include Tiffany, Jazelle, Luca and Damni, Mantra Bands, Lizzy James, Alex and Ani along with many others. “We also have a great selection of bath and body products, teas and tea accessories, tee shirts, tunics and leggings,” said Stephanie Koza.
The Chocolate Goat opened in 1998 in a historic building in the heart of Lafayette. The Koza sisters started the business along with their family, and it opened its doors in a quarter of the space it now occupies. The name Chocolate Goat came about because the family name, Koza, translates to “goat” in Polish. In the beginning, they carried their Neuhaus Chocolates, lots of pewter items, teapots, teas and antique furniture. When they had the opportunity to expand, they added Vera Bradley, baby items and more.
:We also have a great selection of shower and wedding items,” Jenniver Koza said. “We carry Nora Fleming serving pieces and interchangable minis for every season and event. We also carry Mariposa frames which are absolutely beautiful for a special memory..”
Koza said, “What sets The Chocolate Goat apart from on-line or other retailers is the service, gift wrap and beautiful shopping environment. Our staff can help pick a gift and we will gift bag it for you for a beautiful and ready-to-give gift. Stephanie Koza added, “Our customers enjoy the 1832 building that we are housed in, our collection of goats and the beauty of the surrounding area including the Paulins Kill River. It's definitely a unique place that people love located in the heart of Sussex County.”
The Koza sisters grew up in Sussex County and attended Pope John High School. Jennifer Koza now resides in Frankford and Stephanie Koza lives in Fredon.
Jennifer Koza said of The Chocolate Goat, “We are always looking for and bringing in new products and ways we can improve our business. Our customer over the past 19 years have been so wonderful, and they are some of the best people we know. They have supported us and watched our children grow up and we are truly grateful.”
Getting back to the basics upon which the Chocolate Goat was founded, Jennifer Koza said, “Our chocolate s are amazing. We have a large selection of Neuhaus Belgian Chocolate which are fantastic and we have quite a following of customers who come in for them. We carry special pieces like piped Gianduja in a gold foil cone, tiramisu truffle, coffee ganache, fresh creams and more. Chocolates this exceptional are usually only found in a major city, but we have carried a complete collection since we opened. They make a wonderful gift because the recipient will know they are truly special chocolates.”
Other customer favorites include butter crunch, non pariels, chocolate covered Oreos, chocolate covered pretzels, salted caramels and – as the name suggests – of course chocolate goats. The store has gluten free, nut free and vegan chocolate options as well.
“The Chocolate Goat is a great place to come and find a wonderful gift, enjoy yourself and escape from world for a moment,” said Stephanie Koza.
The Chocolate Goat firmly believes in giving back to the community. To this end, they take part in several community benefits each year including: Birth Haven's April Showers, Project Self Sufficiency's A Taste of Talent, and An Evening of Wine and Roses to benefit The Newton Medical Center Foundation. They also contribute to various other worthy causes around Sussex County and make it our mission to give back to the community that we are a part of.
Leading into Mother's Day, their hours will be: Wednesday, May 10th, 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday, May 11th and Friday, May 12th, 10 am to 6 pm and on Saturday, May 13th, 10 am to 5 pm. The Chocolate Goat is located at 03 NJ-15, Lafayette Township. Call (973) 300-5553 for information. Their web site is: www.chocolategoat.com. Find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/The-Chocolate-Goat-118775868142063/.