Chocolate firm’s plans for dealership site get final OK

Hollander Chocolate Co.’s plans to convert the former Ernie von Schledorn car dealership on Port Washington’s south side were approved by the Plan Commission Tuesday.

Doug Podzilni, owner of Hollander Chocolate, said he could purchase the former dealership on South Spring Street as soon as Friday, with work to renovate the structure beginning shortly after that.

Some workers could begin moving into the plant as soon as this fall, he said.

The company’s operations are currently spread out in Germantown, Fox Point and Port, with manufacturing plants in Illinois and Milwaukee’s far west side.

The company, which manufactures high-quality chocolate syrups and powders used primarily in cafes and restaurants, will not make its products in Port.

Podzilni said the initial stages of the renovation will allow him to consolidate operations at the site and ultimately add public amenities such as a coffeeshop, chocolate museum and interactive innovation lab.

But even once that’s done, Podzilni said, he will continue to make improvements to the site.

“This is your entrance to the city and this is the face of our company,” he said. “We want it to look pretty.”