Google

Sunday, March 11, 2007

charles chocolate: chocolate with attitude.......

"what is your attitude for chocolate?" it was my question because i started talking about spiced chocolates and chuck said he didn't like those flavors...his answer was "immediate pleasure".

he started charles chocolate 2004 october, since then this company has grown remarkably; the first year, in 50 stores. in 2006, in more than 300 stores....what was the success factor? chuck said "quality, and natural, fresh ingredients." charles chocolate is known for its peanut butterflies, which fill with caramelized sugar and crushed roasted peanut (it's not peanut butter!). another interesting flavor was mojito heart, which he got inspiration from the mojito drinks one day...

charles chocolate was not the first company he started. he started the first chocolate company, attivo, when he was 25 years old...he was neither a chocolate confectioner nor a pastry chef..he just really loved making chocolate and found out people around him loved his chocolate. that's how he started....since then he taught himself and getting inspiration everywhere for different flavors...i think this is why he became so successful in the chocolate industry....working on something he loves.....

the retail store in emeryville has not been complete....he showed me the blue print of the complete stores and cafe, which will be open this april...the space for the chocolate cafe was huge..the cafe will include seating, kitchen and some part of chocolate manufacturing process place...so once it is done, customers can watch the kitchen. most fun part, they can watch how the charles chocolate is made....in some restaurants, you can watch how the food is prepared, which is fun to watch...however, i haven't seen anyone tried this in chocolate cafe....so it will be interesting to see what's the experience like...i'm sure it will be a lot of fun!

the reason why he wants to open this chocolate kitchen to public is because he wants to *demystifying* chocolate..he added that the open cafe will contribute to people's knowledge of chocolate. they can understand better and will appreciate more....can't wait to see this open!!

No comments: