The refreshed Malley's flagship Lakewood store.

Founded in 1935 by the Malley family, the company has grown to 18 retail locations stocked with candies from the 60,000-square-foot chocolate-making factory on Brookpark Road.

In September, they began the renovations and guests were able to peek here and there to check out the updates in real time.

This past Tuesday, Nov. 18, Malley’s cut the ribbon and officially unveiled the new look.

“We really wanted to preserve the history but also have a space for the next generations to enjoy,” says Gillum.

Malley's president Megan GillumMalley’s officials knew they wanted to preserve the memories made and the warm, fuzzy feeling patrons have experienced at the store for years.

“There have been many first dates in this space, there have been family traditions, holiday gatherings, birthday parties, and we didn’t set out to change what people love,” says Gillum. “We wanted to stay true to our Malley’s history and bring the space forward with us.”

The Alice in Wonderland-style theme no longer exists. A sleek, on brand look with the nostalgic, fun vibe Malley’s fans love, however, is still very much present.

There are new floors throughout the building. Two new top-of-the-line bathrooms feature a classy but playful aesthetic, including ice cream cone wallpaper. There’s a hand washing station for sticky fingers after you’ve enjoyed an ice cream sundae with Malley’s signature fudge on top.

Some of the original fixtures that remain have been refinished and refreshed.

The nostalgic pink and green brand colors remain throughout the store and are incorporated in fun ways—including a brand new floor-to-ceiling mural in the dining area behind the light pink vinyl booths. The mural is designed and hand painted by local mural artist Lisa Quine—perhaps best known for her 26-feet-wide, 18-feet tall Lorain Avenue mural that reads “The Land WHERE ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.”

The Hudson-based international muralist is a self-proclaimed Malley’s chocolate-covered pretzels lover and, like many Clevelanders, has memories of trips to Malley’s as a child.

Quine grew up going to Malley’s Mentor location on Mentor Avenue with her family, and now frequents the Graham Road shop in Stow with her children.

She says she jumped at the chance to contribute to the refresh but says she knew she had to get it right and capture the beloved space and give it a modern twist.

“The murals that were here meant so much to people,” shares Quine, explaining her process. “I knew I wanted to honor the whimsical nature but take the company forward by doing something a bit more contemporary, as well.”

Malley's staff are ready to serve customers.The mural’s theme is a spin on kids’ classic Candyland game, with a chocolate bar as a path to the sunshine, surrounded by classic Malley’s products such as Buckeyes and Rainbow Wafers.

“The mural is done almost exclusively in pink, green and chocolate colors, with little pops of yellow because it’s so joyful and will be the backdrop to celebrations for years to come.”

Additionally, the pink silos in Brookpark that can be seen from the highway made the cut, as did the carousel from the North Olmsted store.

The family-owned business has long been a community favorite, and the employees feel it too.

Jackson North, 24 of Lakewood, is the assistant manager at the Lakewood store. Over his five-year tenure, North says he has built relationships with regular customers and says he enjoys seeing the customers’ children grow.

The new Malley’s Advent calendar—a product customers have wanted for a long time.“I most like working with the families,” North admits. “I love seeing their interactions as they enjoy the store and what we have to offer.”

New this year, by the way, is a Malley’s Advent calendar—a product customers have wanted for a long time, North says. “People have been asking for them for years,” he says, “and now they’re here!”

Lauren Small, president and CEO of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, shares in the Malley’s excitement as both a customer and community partner. Small welcomed the new space with open arms as she helped cut the ribbon, saying she appreciated Malley’s commitment to community.

“Malley’s has been a cornerstone of the [Lakewood] community, and we’ve collaborated with them on lots of things over the years,” Small says. “The refresh is gorgeous, and they really did a nice job. It truly is a refresh, as they promised.”

Small gushes over the work in the overhaul and the new look for the Lakewood flagship store.

“It’s just an improvement on the wonderful place that everybody adores, so it’s still completely recognizable as the place you’ve always loved,” Small says. “And I think people will have fun finding all of the little details on the mural.”

Those details come from many years of serving the community high-end chocolate while providing expert customer experience.

The refreshed ice cream area at Malley's in LakewoodFounded in 1935 by the Malley family, the company has grown to 18 retail locations stocked with candies from the 60,000-square-foot chocolate-making factory on Brookpark Road.

Earlier this year, the Malley family made a shift in culture—naming Gillum as president—the first non-family member to step into the role in the history of the company.

“Our intention has always been to pass the leadership to the next generation of talented leaders who share our values,” shares Mike Malley, former CEO and President of Malley’s Chocolates.

Malley officially retired in September, leaving Gillum to run the company. Gillum first joined Malley’s in June 2024 as the vice president of retail strategy. Prior to Malley’s, she held senior positions at American Greetings.

“I’m humbled and honored to be in this space with such an iconic Cleveland brand,” says Gillum. “I’m thrilled to lead this company into the future. There will be continued growth and we’ll always have the same excitement about our roots.”

As Malley’s looks ahead to its next 90 years, Gillum’s leadership will guide the company as it evolves its retail experience, strengthens community partnerships, and explores innovation possibilities.