_{This story is from The Heights, an independent, nonprofit newspaper run by Boston College students with which the Newton Beacon has a partnership.}

Steps from the Newton Centre T-Stop, hungry commuters who walk into Sweet Dream find themselves greeted by manager Anton Chernyshov, a first-generation Ukrainian chocolatier, wielding a smile and a collection of sweets well-equipped to rival Willy Wonka.

Since the opening of its first location, Sweet Dream’s products have become prolific and can be found across the country.

“Modern Pastry, they have our chocolate, and stores in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Las Vegas,” said Chernyshov.

Chernyshov’s parents moved to the United States five years ago and are the owner-operators of the North Billerica-based chocolate factory, Dante Confections. Sweet Dream is the first retail shop from the factory.

“Six years ago, they bought the factory and now make more than 2,000 chocolates daily,” Chernyshov said.

Opened in March of 2024, the store has been immensely successful, explained Chernyshov, and Dante Confections has increased production past the storefront and into the wholesale market as a result.

“They’ve increased the products,” said Chernyshov. “They’ve increased the amount of truffles they make. They do wholesale now, too.”

When reflecting on his own experience with the shop, Chernyshov explained that his transition to the United States has proven difficult, with ongoing conflict at home.

“I got here in January 2022, and a month after, happened the war,” said Chernyshov “All my family is there.”

Chernyshov, however, has managed to keep his attitude positive and constantly wears a smile. He cites Newton as a big aid to his demeanor.

“I meet so many nice people here—it’s such a great area, and so many people come in,” Chernyshov said.

When asked about some of the store’s hottest products, Chernyshov was certain in his answer.

“You’ve heard about Dubai chocolate?” Chernyshov asked. “Everybody buys the Dubai chocolate.”

The truffles are also a go-to for customers, whether as a gift or an indulgence.

“In general, I think the truffles [are most popular],” said Chernyshov. “The different varieties of truffles, people like to buy a box as a gift to bring home.”

When it comes to the future of Sweet Dream, Chernyshov has plans for expansion.

“I would like to open on a beach somewhere,” Chernyshov said. “People like sweet food there.”

Even with that goal in mind, Chernyshov is not looking for any big changes in the short term, as he feels happy with the current state of Sweet Dream.

“I don’t even want anything big because everything is just going well,” Chernyshov said.

Chernyshov is driven by consumer satisfaction and hopes to continue production of the highest-quality chocolates.

“I think people, and the feedback from people that they like the chocolates and they like the stuff they are getting from us—I really like it,” said Chernyshov. “It makes me want to go further.”