French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina, is a paradise for chocolate lovers. This bean-to-bar chocolate maker, founded by Jael Skeffington and Dan Rattigan, offers a unique experience that goes beyond just tasting chocolate. The factory and cafe provide an immersive journey into the world of handcrafted chocolates, made from sustainably sourced cacao beans. Locals and visitors alike find themselves drawn to the allure of freshly made bonbons, brownies, and other confections. Imagine stepping into a world where the air is filled with the rich aroma of chocolate and every corner holds a delightful surprise. It's not just a visit; it's an adventure for your taste buds. Dive into this chocolate wonderland and discover why it’s a must-visit destination for families and chocolate enthusiasts alike.
Highlights
- Bean-to-Bar Process: Witness the chocolate-making journey from cacao bean to finished product.
- Signature Products: Enjoy unique treats like the Truffle Torte and Espresso Cheesecake.
- Educational Tours: Through engaging factory tours, learn about cacao farming and chocolate production.
Contents
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Here is Why Your Kids Will Find it Interesting
French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe is worth visiting with kids of all ages. Younger children will be fascinated by chocolate-making, watching how cacao beans transform into delicious bars and bonbons. The sight of the giant machines and the aroma of chocolate wafting through the air will captivate their senses. Older kids can appreciate the educational aspects of the tours, learning about the origins of cacao, the importance of sustainable farming, and the intricate steps involved in creating high-quality chocolate.
The hands-on experience and delicious samples make it an engaging outing for the entire family. Kids can enjoy seeing the chocolate being made through factory windows while savoring treats from the cafe. The interactive nature of the tour, combined with the opportunity to ask questions and taste various chocolates, ensures that children remain engaged and entertained throughout the visit. Whether it's a homeschool field trip or a fun family day out, French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe offers a sweet adventure that kids will remember for a long time.
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Family-friendly Features
- Hands-on Tours: Interactive and educational tours suitable for all ages.
- Delicious Samples: Kids can enjoy tasting various chocolate treats.
- Cozy Cafe: A welcoming environment for families to relax and enjoy desserts.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/FrenchBroadChocolate
History and Founders
The story of French Broad Chocolates began with Jael Skeffington and Dan Rattigan's adventurous move to Costa Rica. They opened a cafe and dessert shop there, immersing themselves in cacao. After two years, they relocated to Asheville, North Carolina, starting with a farmers market stand before opening the French Broad Chocolate Lounge in 2008. Their passion for chocolate led them to establish their factory in 2012, and by 2018, they had moved to a larger facility along the French Broad River.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/FrenchBroadChocolate
Mission and Values
French Broad Chocolates is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing. As a Certified B Corporation, it upholds high standards of transparency and accountability. Its mission is to create delicious chocolates using local and organic ingredients while building direct relationships with sustainable farmers.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/FrenchBroadChocolate
The Chocolate-Making Process
The bean-to-bar process at French Broad Chocolates is a meticulous journey:
- Sourcing and Importing: Cacao beans are sourced directly from farms in Nicaragua and other regions.
- Roasting and Grinding: Beans are roasted and ground to create chocolate liquor.
- Molding: The chocolate is molded into bars, bonbons, and other confections.
A unique feature of their process is using a parabolic solar cacao roaster, which enhances the flavor and sustainability of their products.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/FrenchBroadChocolate
The Chocolate Lounge Experience
The Chocolate Lounge offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a variety of desserts paired with wine, beer, coffee, or tea. Signature items like the Truffle Torte, Espresso Cheesecake, and fudgy brownies are made with their handcrafted chocolate, creating a memorable and immersive experience for visitors.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/FrenchBroadChocolate
Tours and Educational Opportunities
French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe offers several types of tours to cater to different interests and age groups:
- Bean-to-Bar Tours: These tours are offered daily and take about 45 minutes. Guests will see the entire chocolate-making process, from the arrival of cacao beans to the creation of chocolate bars and bonbons. The tour includes a detailed explanation of each step, including roasting, grinding, and molding chocolate. This tour is perfect for families, as it comprehensively examines how chocolate is made.
- Tasting Tours: Besides the Bean-to-Bar tour, tasting tours are available, where visitors can sample various chocolates. These tours allow guests to experience the different flavors and textures of French Broad Chocolates' products. The tasting aspect makes it especially enjoyable for kids, who can try a variety of chocolates and discover their favorites.
- Educational Tours: These tours focus on the educational aspects of chocolate production. Visitors will learn about the origins of cacao, the importance of sustainable farming, and the ethical practices followed by French Broad Chocolates. This tour is ideal for school groups or families with older children interested in learning more about the science and history of chocolate.
Photo:https://www.facebook.com/FrenchBroadChocolate
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe with children is on weekdays, in the late morning or early afternoon. This ensures a less crowded experience and more personalized attention during tours.
Recommended duration: 1-2 hours.
Resume
French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe offers families a unique and educational experience. From its sustainable bean-to-bar process to its cozy Chocolate Lounge, this destination is a must-visit for anyone in Asheville. The delicious treats and engaging tours make it a perfect outing for kids and adults.
