Lagusta’s Luscious set to renovate, expand

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. >> Lagusta’s Luscious plans to renovate and build out a 6,000 square-foot-space that will include 4,500 square feet for production and 1,500 square feet for back office space and shipping, according to a press release from Empire State Development.

Lagusta’s Luscious creates and sells ethically and locally sourced and manufactured small-batch vegan chocolates and sweets throughout the country from its base in New Paltz, the release said.

The company will invest $501,450 into its build-out project and also purchase and install new machinery and equipment for the expanded facility.

The expansion will create greater production capacity and operational efficiency, the release said. Empire State Development is supporting the project with a capital grant of $100,000 recommended by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council in exchange for the creation of 11 new jobs and the retention of 12 existing ones at the facility.

“As we enter our 20th year of business making chocolates as Lagusta’s Luscious and our 13th as a brick-andmortar shop, I’m so honored and excited to be expanding our production capacity by moving into this new space with amazing help from Empire State Development,” Chief Executive Officer Lagusta Yearwood said in a statement.

Empire State Development President, Chief Executive Officer, and Commissioner Hope Knight said in a statement that Lagusta’s Luscious is a woman-owned and operated business that is committed to supporting its community with locally sourced products and fair wages.

“Lagusta’s is an important and beloved part of our community and I am thrilled that they have chosen to expand their facility here in New Paltz not just because it means there are more jobs but because it means more people will be able to try some of the best chocolate in the country,” town Supervisor Neil Bettez said in a statement.