Leonidas even kept going during the Second World War. Basilio bought cocoa and produced the chocolate himself. Leonidas became a synonym for success. On 20 February 1948 disaster struck: Leonidas Kestekides passed away.

Leonidas left his shops to his nephew, who seemed more motivated than ever. Basilio wanted to make luxury products which everyone could afford. Demand for Leonidas pralines kept growing and Basilio was able to anticipate this trend. He did this not by increasing the price, but by expanding his workshop so that he could increase production.

Basilio moved from Boulevard Anspach 58 to 46, which is still used by Leonidas to this day.

Leonidas never wanted to turn its pralines into a scarce product by raising the prices; instead, it increased production to keep the prices low.