About

At DeRango the Pizza King & Premium Chocolates, we know exactly what goes into making the finest culinary treats around. 

In 1949, before founding DeRango the Pizza King, John DeRango spent his first year in America making candy for Racine's Melli Candy Manufacturing Co. In 1991, after owner Charlie Melli passed away, the employees of the time rechristened it Phoenix Chocolate Shoppe and renewed its decades-old tradition of quality chocolate. 

John DeRango's son Tony never forgot about his father's start in the confectionery business, or about Phoenix Chocolate Shoppe's continued devotion to crafting confectioneries. In 2008, Tony and his wife Brenda purchased Phoenix Chocolate Shoppe, moving it to the location of the original DeRango the Pizza King on Racine's North Main Street. Recognizing the building's century-old nostalgic atmosphere, Tony knew the facility would bring their operation to a new level. Tony and Brenda renewed the building's hardwood floors and added antique furnishings, lending it both a friendly and refined 1920's feel. They also added tap root beer, malts, and ice cream to the generous selection of chocolates and candies.

DeRango the Pizza King & Premium Chocolates wanted to keep the Racine chocolate tradition alive and preserve the “lost art” of making fine, gourmet chocolates the old fashioned way: by hand. Using only the finest ingredients available, and old family recipes, our candy makers are bound to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Choose from melt in your mouth chocolates, crunchy nuts, fresh popcorn, ice cream, and old fashioned milkshakes.

One taste and you’ll be a customer for life.