City of Rochester
News Release
(Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012) – Neighborhood and Business Development Commissioner R. Carlos Carballada joined co-owners/partners Jennifer Posey and Zahra Langford today to cut a ceremonial ribbon celebrating the grand opening/expansion of Hedonist Artisan Chocolates at 674 South Ave. in the city’s South Wedge. The expansion ceremony also marks the shop’s five-year anniversary.
“For five years we’ve been enjoying the unique flavors of Hedonist Artisan Chocolates and watching the business grow,” said Carballada. “We’re pleased to have been able to help Hedonist expand here in the city’s South Wedge.”
Hedonist truffles and chocolate treats are made with French chocolate and fresh, natural ingredients. Each piece of Hedonist chocolate is rolled, cut, dipped and decorated by hand. All of the chocolates are created on site.
Previously, Hedonist Artisan Chocolates occupied about 350 square feet in the back of the building at 674 South Ave. The space was functional at first, but the minimal street presence made it difficult for customers to find the shop. As business improved, the partners quickly outgrew the room, which doubled as the kitchen and retail space.
When the building went up for sale Posey and Langford were eager to purchase the space to build a larger kitchen and retail store and improve the store’s street presence on South Avenue. The City of Rochester and REDCO assisted with securing funding to purchase the building and make necessary improvements.
Owning the building has allowed Hedonist Artisan Chocolates to spread out its operation across 1,200 square feet on the first floor at 674 South Ave. The kitchen and storage areas have been expanded to create a space in the secondary storefront that can also be used as a viewing kitchen or tasting room.
Hedonist Artisan Chocolates employs two full-time and two part-time staff members and expects to add another three full-time positions with the expansion over the next two years.
The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
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News Media: For more information, please contact Jennifer Posey at 461-2815.