Wilkes University SBDC Client Success Story
Sweet Success: Yummy Treats Arrive at Back Mountain Businesses

Kathryn Reynolds has made her mark as the owner of The Chocolate Shoppe at Tulip Hollow Farms, a sweet new addition to Luzerne County. Who doesn’t love chocolate? Her small business officially opened in July 2025, offering chocolate-covered pretzels, pretzel rods, Oreos, and rice crispy treats to businesses throughout the Back Mountain. Some of her local retail partners include KB’s Coffee House and Back Mountain Makery. Kathryn also sells her treats at community markets and events in and around the area.

“I recommend Wilkes University small business development center to anyone who is even thinking about starting a small business. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them.”

Kathryn has been creating these delicious treats for friends and family for years. As demand grew, people began requesting her confections for special occasions and holidays. At first, she only charged for the ingredients, but in early 2025, a local business expressed interest in selling her chocolates prepackaged in their restaurant. That opportunity inspired Kathryn to take the next step and officially launch her small business.

In February 2025, Kathryn reached out to the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance. Her consultant provided advice on business organization, licensing, and industry research, and referred her to the Penn State Entrepreneurial Legal Clinic to establish her LLC. Because Kathryn planned to manufacture her treats from her home kitchen, she needed the appropriate licensing through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. To support this process, a meeting was arranged between Kathryn, her Wilkes SBDC consultant, and Winifred McGee from the Scranton SBDC, who has extensive expertise in Department of Agriculture licensing for homebased kitchens.

Kathryn Reynolds’ journey from hobby baker to small business owner highlights the power of passion, persistence, and local support. With help from the SBDC network and her own dedication to quality and community, Kathryn successfully transformed her love for chocolate into a thriving small business that’s bringing joy—and sweetness—to Luzerne County.