Our Story

1939

It all starts with Leo Stefanos, the Greek-American founder who opens Dove Candies & Ice Cream on a Chicago street corner, bringing a little sweetness to the Windy City’s South Side.

1956

One day, Leo sees his son Mike chasing an ice cream van down a busy street and swears, right there, that he will create a delicious new ice cream that can be enjoyed in the safety of his own store. After months of painstakingly slicing blocks of ice cream and dipping them in chocolate, the sensational DOVEBAR® is just about perfect.

1977

After 38 years of devotion to DOVE® Chocolate, Leo hands over the family business to his son Mike, who has big plans for DOVEBAR®.

1984

Things really get going when Mike takes the DOVEBAR® to the Fancy Foods Show in Washington, D.C., and orders start flooding in from across the country.

1986

Mars sees the potential in DOVEBAR® and welcomes the Stefanos’ business into its family. A nationwide sensation is born…

1991

Inspirational messages are shared on the inside of every DOVE® PROMISES® wrapper, making every DOVE® moment an even more enthralling treat – down to the last crinkle.

2006

After 50 years of bringing joy to ice cream lovers, DOVEBAR® is expanded into a range of indulgently delicious new flavors.

2012

With a new design and even bigger than before, the DOVE® Chocolate Bar offers more pleasure than ever.

2015

DOVE® Fruit is launched: a luscious collision of silky, rich dark DOVE® chocolate and tasty cherries, blueberries and cranberries.

2016

DOVE® Chocolate partners with the CARE organization to provide financial support and field training for women in the cocoa-growing communities of Côte d’Ivoire.