Here at the Chamber, we believe our members are the heart of our local business community. This month, we are thrilled to shine our spotlight on a truly thoughtful and passionate artisan: Delavoye Chocolates. More than just a purveyor of fine sweets, Delavoye is a destination where heritage, ethics, and creativity deliciously collide.
We connected with their founder, Antoine Lavoie, to learn about the journey from bean to bar and the powerful stories behind this beloved local business.
The Passion Behind the Craft
For Antoine Lavoie (He/Him/Il), chocolate is a universal language. “Chocolate is one of the most universal foods, crossing cultures, ages, and occasions,” he shared. But the inspiration went deeper than a simple love for the product. It was a curiosity about the craft and a desire to create a space where people could connect over chocolate that is “thoughtful, ethical, and creative while reflecting my journey and identity.”
This personal touch is woven into the very name of the business. Delavoye is the original pronunciation of Antoine’s family name, Lavoie. “It grounds the business in something personal and timeless,” he explained. “It nods to heritage, craft, and authenticity.”
What sets Delavoye apart in the vast world of chocolate is its dedicated bean-to-bar approach. This process gives them control over every step of the process, from sourcing raw cacao beans to crafting the final, beautifully wrapped bar.
“Behind every bar is a story of the people who grow cacao and their communities…Our approach is unique because we craft bean-to-bar chocolate from ethically sourced cacao while pushing our creative boundaries.”
When asked about his favorite part of the business, Antoine’s response was a blend of creation and connection. “I enjoy the creative process of developing new recipes and pushing my boundaries. I love seeing our customers’ reactions when they taste something unexpected and delightful. Mostly, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for cacao.”
This passion is guided by a clear and purposeful mission. “Our mission is to craft chocolate with purpose, guided by our values of sustainability, community, and diversity,” he said. “Everything we do respects the cacao farmers we work with, commits to sustainability, and aims to create products that are both elevated and welcoming.” As a queer-owned business, inclusivity and representation are also central to their efforts.
A Valued Chamber Member
Delavoye Chocolates is not just building a business; they are actively building community, which is why they are such a natural fit for the Chamber. “I joined because I value community,” Antoine stated.
“Running a small business can feel isolating at times, and being part of the Chamber helps me build connections, share experiences, and support one another.”
He has found tremendous value in these connections, citing that beyond the fantastic resources and networking opportunities, it’s the “sense of belonging” that has been most impactful. “Meeting other business owners, learning from them, and collaborating has been very valuable.”
Antoine also emphasized the collective power that comes from Chamber membership. “Supporting the Chamber gives us a collective voice to represent business owners when we face common issues…We can bring them forward through the Chamber, which has the network to advocate for us. We are stronger together.”
Looking ahead, he is excited for more networking in the coming year. “I am looking forward to connecting with even more local businesses. I want to share our story, grow our visibility, and continue being part of this amazing community.” He added a powerful insight: “Sometimes, when we face major barriers, the solution is already in the same room. That is why these networking events matter; they are catalysts for change and growth.”
More Than Just a Chocolate Shop
For those who haven’t yet visited the shop or tried their products, the message is clear: “We are more than just a chocolate shop; we are an experience. From how we source our beans to crafting each bar, everything is done with care, creativity, and intention.”
A typical day at Delavoye is anything but routine. It begins with an early, quiet morning and can involve anything from roasting cacao and developing new recipes to meeting with community members. The process of creating a single chocolate bar is a slow and intentional craft, involving sourcing, roasting, grinding, tempering, molding, and packaging.
This intention extends to ingredient sourcing. Antoine works with brokers who prioritize sustainability and fair practices, ensuring their chocolate “respects both the earth and the people who grow the cacao.” Locally, he loves to collaborate and use ingredients that highlight the richness of our region.
When asked about a particularly proud moment, Antoine reflected on the collective effort behind their success. “I feel immense gratitude for my partner, family, friends, fellow business owners, and our community. Every bit of support has helped shape where Delavoye is today, and that sense of shared success is what I am most proud of.”
A Sweet Future
The future for Delavoye is as exciting as it is delicious. They are currently in full swing with holiday production and will soon release many new and returning products. Antoine is also constantly experimenting, “working on expanding our range of bean-to-bar creations and developing new café experiences that will bring people closer to the world of chocolate.” A physical expansion is also underway, with plans for a larger space to accommodate production, a café with a patio, and a dedicated area for tastings and experiences.
Ultimately, he hopes Delavoye becomes “a gathering place, a warm and welcoming destination where people come not just for chocolate but for connection and inspiration.”
How You Can Support Delavoye Chocolates
The Chamber community can best support this incredible local business in the most delightful way possible. Antoine’s request is simple: “The best way to support us is to visit our shop, try our chocolate, and share it with others. Following us on social media and helping spread the word also makes a big difference. Every customer, every conversation, and every share helps us grow and continue doing what we love.”
Let’s all help ensure the story of Delavoye Chocolates continues to be told, one delicious, thoughtfully crafted bar at a time.
