Rachel Kellner, the owner of Aigner Chocolates, is gearing up to receive the prestigious Claire
Shulman “Spirit of Community” Award at the upcoming 29th Annual Evening of Fine Food
hosted by Queens Centers for Progress. This event, known for celebrating the diverse culinary
scene of Queens, will honor Kellner and many others for their significant contributions to the
community and the ongoing efforts to support local businesses and residents.
Aigner Chocolates, founded in 1930 as Krause’s Candy Kitchen, has become a beloved part of
the Forest Hills neighborhood under Kellner’s leadership. With her unique background as a
licensed clinical social worker, Kellner brings a compassionate, community-focused approach to
the business.
“My background is as a social worker, and I worked in drug addiction for 10 years. Now I help
enable addiction, chocolate addiction that is,” she said, blending her expertise in social work
with her love for creating joy through delicious treats.
Under Kellner’s guidance, Aigner Chocolates has grown into more than just a candy shop; it’s a
community institution that prides itself on its inclusivity and dedication to giving back. Aigner
Chocolates is home to a diverse, predominantly female-led management team, and the
business holds certifications from WBENC, NYC, and NYS, reflecting its commitment to both
excellence and social responsibility.
Kellner’s passion for community engagement was especially evident during the COVID-19
pandemic, when Aigner Chocolates donated over $30,000 worth of chocolates to spread joy
and hope to those in need. Beyond this, Kellner has been instrumental in supporting local
schools, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations, ensuring that Aigner Chocolates is not only
known for its high-quality confections but also as a source of healing and support.
In addition to running Aigner Chocolates, Kellner co-founded Metro Village of Forest Hills, an
informal business alliance that later became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Born out of the challenges of
the pandemic, particularly after a burglary at Eisner Chocolates, Metro Village aims to support
and promote businesses along Metropolitan Avenue, fostering collaboration and mutual support
among local entrepreneurs.
Kellner’s dedication to her community is deeply personal. She lives, works, and raises her son
in Forest Hills, and her belief in the importance of community is evident in everything she does.
“I think because people that own small businesses tend to live, work and enjoy themselves in
the community,” Kellner said.
The Claire Shulman “Spirit of Community” Award, named after the late Queens Borough
President who was known for her transformative work in the borough, is given to individuals who
exemplify the values of community, leadership, and social responsibility. Kellner’s upcoming
award is a recognition of her tireless efforts to serve the Queens community, both through her
business and her philanthropic work.
“I’m always trying to find ways to give back to the Forest Hills Community and just to the
Queens community at large,”Kellner said. “And we’ve done a lot of work doing that over the
years. With the chocolate shop and through Metro village. And so, I feel incredibly privileged to
even be in the same sentence as Claire Shulman. I look forward to continuing to commit myself
to all the ways that I can give back to the Queen’s community over my career.”
As Aigner Chocolates continues to thrive, Kellner remains focused on the core values of social
responsibility, community engagement, and excellence that have guided her business from the
beginning.
“I look forward to honoring Claire and what she’s done for the Queen’s community by
continuously recommitting my efforts to the Queen’s community every day,” Kellner said.
The 29th Annual Evening of Fine Food, hosted by Queens Centers for Progress, will take place
on Tuesday, February 25, at Terrace on the Park in Corona. This event, which supports adults
and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Queens, promises an
unforgettable evening of food, drinks, and entertainment. For more details and to purchase
tickets, visit tinyurl.com/25QCPFineFood.
