By Michael Burke
Journal Times | Posted: Monday, September 8, 2008 12:00 am
RACINE - Like its namesake, Phoenix Chocolate Shoppe has been reborn with a new site, new scenery and new sweets.
Phoenix, formerly at 2055 Taylor Ave., has moved to 1439 N. Main St. With new partners now involved, the shop has also added lines of sweets including ice cream and tap root beer.
The new partners, one quarter each, are Tony and Frank DeRango of the locally famous pizza-making family. Tony brokered the deal that put Phoenix half-owner and operator Tanya Otwaska in her new situation.
First, Tony said, he bought the building at 1439 N. Main St., mostly because it held great sentimental value for the DeRangos.
"That was first DeRango the Pizza King in Racine, in 1953," Tony said. "So when it came up for sale, I said, 'Frank, it'd be great to get Pop's first place in Racine.'
"Ninety-five percent of independents in the pizza business worked for my dad (John) at one time or another," he added.
There was also a candy connection between the DeRango family and Phoenix Chocolate, Tony said. In 1949, when John DeRango came to America speaking not a lick of English, he made candy for his first six to eight months here, at Melli Candy Manufacturing Co. on State Street.
Decades later, after Charlie Melli had died and with him, his candy shop, his daughter-in-law, Pearl Taylor, reopened it as Phoenix Chocolate Shoppe. Otwaska now runs the business.
Tony DeRango said he used to tell Taylor, "I want to buy your chocolate shop. I don't want to lose the heritage of homemade candy."
Last Christmas season, he said, he proposed moving Phoenix to his building on North Main Street. With a cash infusion from him and Frank buying in, they could "step it up a notch."
They added ice cream, tap root beer, malts and cinnamon rolls, which Tony insists are fit for a god.
And, with Tony leading the charge, they reclaimed the 100-year-old building's hardwood floors. They gave the shop a 1920s-1930s look and decorated it with antiques.
Phoenix is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information call the store at (262) 637-0230.