The new shop will be Euro-Vintage in design, featuring free WiFi, a sit down granite chocolate bar, imported cheeses, local espresso and coffee, fresh breads in the morning, desserts by the slice, assorted chocolates, native wine and some non-edibles like handcrafted whimsical aprons, locally grown lavender products and one-of-a-kind hair accessories.
(as well as all the other services you've grown to know and love from The Chocolate Season)This exciting expansion has been a ton of paperwork, inventory researching, financing, and labor...especially since we are doing a majority of the construction and decorating in-house...(extra thanks to mom and dad and the members of Team Rohan!))
*pic #1: what we started with
*pic #2: some demo...ok... ALOT of demo
*pic #3: Team Rohan
*pic #4: drywalled and beginning to prime and paint
The Chocolate Season officially closed down for a few short months to make this transition go more smoothly, with an expected reopening of the online shopping cart, and new store, in January.But we did, however, have time to do some fun projects right before closing, including a lovely baby shower, hosted by Chi-O sister, Jess :) We did some pretty-in-pink baby favors and pink cupcakes, and afterward, we received the most considerate and sweet thank you note in return (it truly made my day..week...month....thanks jess! xoxoxo to you!)
Also had several weddings in the last month, one featured the ever so popular mudball favor, another was a one-piece truffle favor with custom made "thank you" tag tied with ribbon, and also the two-piece truffle purse favor, for a wedding in Iowa City.
In addition to weddings, we made some treats for Wiltgen's Jewelry and Gift World's open house this week, created chocolate favors for Algona's hospital fundraiser, the Legacy Ball
and made some yummy desserts like an apple frangipane tart, strawberry cheesecake, and chocolate pave cake, for a Rotary Club presentation (including a powerpoint...yes...i created a powerpoint....impressive right?) :P
That about wrapped up the last days we were open...and then...Brad and I bought a house.
We have some work and decorating to do, but it is truly lovely and we are so excited about this new phase in our lives.
Even though we will be closed, I will keep you updated on the phases on the new retail location, as well as any house improvements we do! (Because i know you're curious!) :PThank you for your continued support, and just because we're relocating, doesn't mean we won't still be coming to NE. We'll be around a ton, and some fun incentives for my home base clients will be sure to make an appearance in your emails! As for my national clients, look for NEW gift options to show up on the shopping cart when we re-open, and i won't keep you waiting for long...just a few short months to January, and then you can satisfy all your Chocolate Season cravings!
