It was another successful holiday season for Bayard's Authentic Chocolate House on Route 130.

Fran Kozak has worked for Bayard's since 1996 and has been the manager for the last three years.

"It was pretty good," she said of holiday traffic. "It was busy at all times."

Kozak said she hopes the chocolate business this past season made the owner, Fralinger's (of salt water taffy fame), happy.

She said most prepackaged goods almost sold out.

"We didn't have much left over to even offer this week," Kozak said. "It went well."

She also noted Bayard's is doing well despite the economy.

"People are always trying to dig a little deeper to get the candy for someone that they really want to give to," Kozak said.

While many buy chocolates for Valentine's Day, the busiest time of year for Bayard's is tied between Christmas and Easter. It is during those times that the chocolate business needs to add staff.

"We don't want people coming in here and having to wait too long," Kozak said, but she added that people are willing to wait because the product is so good.

Bayard's employs about 11 people, some seasonal, some year-round.

So what's the biggest seller?

"Butter creams," Kozak said, noting fudge also does well. "Pretzels seem to fly out of here."

She said assortments with a little bit of everything also are popular.

"We try to make everyone happy," Kozak said.

She started at Bayard's after her previous employer closed its doors. Kozak was recommended by her manager because she works well with people, she said.

"I really enjoy working here," she said, adding the owners are "great to work for. "I'm happy just to be here." 

She said one reason Bayard's is so successful is because the recipe is the same as before the business was bought out as well as the quality of chocolate used.

"It's a good chocolate and people come back time after time after time for it," Kozak said.

She said she remembers her parents bringing her there for Easter and now she brings her children during the holidays. Kozak also said some customers note how the place hasn't changed in 40 years.

"It's a family business," she said. "Generation after generation people just love coming here."

Both stores (there's one in Cherry Hill) operate out of formerly residential homes and Kozak believes that's a draw for customers. The Pennsauken site closed last year. 

"People like that kind of atmosphere when they walk in because it feels like they're walking into someone's home," she said.

More about Bayard's Authentic Chocolate House can be found at www.bayardschocolates.com