Local Wichita Business Spotlight: Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates
Those of us who have tried Cocoa Dolce realize how fortunate we are to have a world class chocolate experience right here in Wichita. If you have not tried any of their delicious creations yet, then you are in for a tasty treat! Not only are their chocolates heavenly to eat, but they are equally beautiful to look at. Cocoa Dolce offers other delectable products like a variety of pastries and specialty coffee drinks, as well as cocktails and craft beer. You might find some of their seasonal items too enticing to resist, like the Thanksgiving Sprinkle Suckers or the Butterscotch Scones! Whether you are chocolate shopping for yourself or in need of the perfect gift for someone special, Cocoa Dolce has several "build a box" options to choose from. They also specialize in custom creations and corporate gifts. Cocoa Dolce has three charming and convenient locations in Wichita. We recently had the pleasure of visiting with Amber Travis, Director of Operations at Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates, to learn more about this remarkable local business.
1. Business Name? Cocoa Dolce
2. How many years have you been in business? Fifteen years this coming November.
3. How many locations do you have? We have three locations in Wichita: Our east location in Bradley Fair, west location in New Market Square and our Downtown location at 235 N. Saint Francis.
4. What is unique about your business? Not only are we an artisan chocolate
store, we also carry pastries, gelato, espresso, wine and specialty cocktails. We
handcraft 95% of what we sell. Our downtown location, in the historic Coleman
Factory building, allows our guests to view our state-of-the-art production kitchen
from the comfort of our relaxing Sweet Lounge. From concept to creation, every
one of our chocolates, confections and pastries makes its way through this
kitchen.
5. What should customers know about your business? Founded in Wichita,
Kansas in 2005, Cocoa Dolce quickly established a reputation for serving
beautiful chocolates and confections. Today, under the ownership of the
Voegeli family, Cocoa Dolce continues our innovative and creative approach
to chocolate-making as a world-class chocolatier and sweet lounge. Our
collaborative approach and taste for adventure shines through in our
artisanal chocolates, pastries, macarons, and gelato, thoughtfully paired with
espresso, wine and spirits.
6. What inspired the start of this business? Cocoa Dolce was created with a
genuine enjoyment of the art of chocolate-making, and a down-to-earth love
of creating daily moments of joy.
7. What are some of your most popular products and what goes into making them? Our most popular chocolate is the Grey Salt Caramel. Our chocolatiers start by mixing all the ingredients in a large kettle to slowly cook for x minutes. Once ready, it is poured onto a large baking sheet where it will rest overnight to cool. The next day we hand cut the caramel into individual squares to run through our enrober, which is a chocolate waterfall that evenly coats the caramel on all sides. To finish, we top with a pinch of Fleur de Sel grey sea salt.
Some of our other most popular products include our Chocolate Chip Cookie,
Cheesecakes, Wine Slushies and Mocha, created with the same chocolate we
use to make our confections.
8. What kind of education or training prepared you to operate your business? We
have a team of professional chocolatiers, pastry chefs and baristas. The majority
of our senior team have been with the company for 7+ years, working in various
departments throughout the company, which has provided a big-picture
perspective for operating the business.
9. What is your favorite thing about owning and operating Cocoa Dolce? Our owner's main background and expertise is in aerospace which has zero relation to chocolate, but their approach to efficiency, quality and innovation does. Operating Cocoa Dolce is a perfect combination of data and processes combined with the creativity and passion of the products that make working here so enjoyable.
10. What is the most heartfelt compliment a customer has given you or your
business? We receive wonderful feedback from customers on our delicious
products and service often, but our favorite compliments come from our previous
employees who have since left to pursue their individual career paths. They have shared with us that Cocoa Dolce was the best job they have had.
11. How much do you treasure your employees and the people you work
with? Our employees are the reason for our success. We have built a team of
creative individuals who are passionate about their craft, contribute to our culture and exude the positivity we hope Cocoa Dolce brings our customers.
Cocoa Dolce
Website: www.cocoadolce.com
Instagram: @cocoadolce
Locations:
Downtown Wichita Chocolate Headquarters
Address: 235 N. St. Francis, Wichita, KS
Phone: 316.854.3121
Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:00 am - 7:00pm
Friday & Saturday - 7:00 am - 9:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm - 7:00pm
Bradley Fair
Address: 2132 N Rock Road, Wichita, KS
Phone: 316.866.2906
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday - 8:00 am - 10:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm - 7:00pm
New Market Square
Address: 2441 N Maize Road, Suite 123, Wichita, KS
Phone: 316.866.6337
Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday - 8:00 am - 10:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm - 7:00pm
We love to feature other local businesses in our community, but we are also proud of our own! Please contact Tobie Andrews Real Estate Media for all of your residential and commercial photography needs. Photos, video, and drone. Let us help you! tobieandrewsre.com
