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The Secret Chocolatier Goes American Made
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
When we announce that we’ve “Gone American” it often evokes a double take. People say, “Haven’t you always been?” Well, yes. Sort of. The Secret Chocolatier is an American company, hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina where our family does all the work. But we haven’t always been able to source our chocolate from American sources. Until now, that is. Caveat: Cocoa is grown in the equatorial belt like coffee. The only American state that can grow cocoa is Hawaii but it’s not large enough for large sourcing. What we’re talking... Read more
The Secret Chocolatier with William Wilson, Supporting Autism Research
Chocolate in the Hanger
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
William Wilson contacted us to support his charity golf event with a kick-off party on June 26th at Jet Pool in Charlotte, NC. William was introduced to us from our... Read more
The Secret Chocolatier in Charlotte, NC : Grand Opening Preparations
Charlotte Chocolate Shop Grand Opening Success
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
Charlotte, North Carolina's Chocolate Secret, The Secret Chocolatier had a fantastic grand opening serving their adoring fans for all their support. Read more
Chocolate Shop Dreams, Reality
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
2010 was a long year for us. We set out with a goal–more specifically I told Bill and Karen Dietz that I would have us a chocolate shop or Plan B within 6 months of 2010. For the many who know us, that didn’t quite happen did it? I missed 2010, but things are different now. Good Things Come to Those Who Work Hard I realized through 2010 that if you can’t afford it outright you’re going to work your collective butts off (and then some) to get where you... Read more
Chocolate at Charlotte Area Markets
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
Looking for Chocolate in Charlotte? If you are an area market goer, or been looking for a reason to get out and explore our markets here are a few that we participate in. You can order chocolate online and pick it up at any of these locations as well. Atherton Market at Atherton Mills Formerly the Charlotte Tailgate Market. Lynn Caldwell’s efforts have crystalized with the help of Avant and Eden creating a lovely space for regional farmers, artisans and crafts people. They have renovated the old Charlotte Trolly Barn... Read more
Trials of Making a Chocolate Business Plan
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
Anyone who has ever developed and made a business succeed knows the difficulty involved. Entrepreneurship is both awesome and terrible at each and every stage along the way. For those who don’t really know us we’ve been in business to this point for three years in June. From a single market testing our truffles to now.. 4 markets, 5 retail accounts, a number of commercial clients, and our happy chocolate for weddings. Where does that leave us? Growing Pains, Kitchen Strains During the Christmas holiday rush this past year we... Read more
Twelve, an Uptown Charlotte Holiday Market
On By Andy Ciordia / 0 comments
The Center City Green Market in Charlotte has been bouncing around the last couple of years uptown and while our own commitments have precluded us from being as involved as we’d like we still like to support local farms, artisans, and crafters in our region. Ted Boyd had a simple idea that took a lot of engineering to deliver. Take an empty box store in the center of the city and turn it into a beautiful holiday market. With little time to spare he and his team of volunteers pulled... Read more