ALBANY — In late 2024, Barry Richman, owner of Pearl Grant Richmans in Stuyvesant Plaza, was approached by California-based chocolate wholesaler Le Grand Confectionery about a new chocolate with roots in Dubai, simply called “Dubai chocolate.”
“I wasn’t even aware of what Dubai chocolates were,” Richman said. “They said, ‘You’ve got to try this. It’s going to be absolutely a rage.’”
Richman, who already carried a selection of the company’s chocolates, took their advice and saw the Dubai chocolate — known for its creamy pistachio-based center — fly off his Albany store shelves come 2025. Since Richman started selling the chocolate in the form of a bonbon for $4.99 each, it’s been one of the most popular among his store’s selection, selling an average of around 15 pieces per week…