Grocer's Daughter Chocolate: Chocolatiers Extraordinaire in northern Michigan

Sampling hot chocolate drinks at the Grocer's Daughter Chocolate

If you love great chocolate, tea and potato chips together (as we do!), we know the place for you, the Grocer's Daughter Chocolate store in Empire, Michigan. 

May I hastily add, there's so much more that this amazing chocolate shop offers and, I assure you, we'll get to that. But first a little back story. . . 

We were first introduced to the Grocer's Daughter in September of 2013 at a food festival in Traverse City. I was there to interview Darren McGrady, the Royal Chef, who worked for Princess Diana at Kensington Palace. My husband and I stayed for the entire event which included a presentation from the Grocer's Daughter Chocolate team.

D.C. and Jody Haden at Traverse City event

Mimi passing out chocolate samples

At the time, ownership was changing hands from its originator, Mimi Wheeler to good friends, Jody and D.C. Hayden.  Mimi, who was born in Denmark, was never quite satisfied with the chocolate in the US, so after years of creating her own bon bons for friends and family, decided to start her own chocolate store in 2004, just south of Empire.  Almost ten years later, Jody and D.C. purchased it and added their passion, skills and talents to the business, moving the store to its current location. 

We were lucky to meet up with Mimi, Jody and D.C., who while presenting all that goes into making chocolate confections, passed out samples. We were hooked.

Grocer's Daughter Chocolate and neighboring Gelato store in Empire, Michigan

Now, for almost a decade, we've been fans of the Grocer's Daughter Chocolate products, purchasing them on-line, in some Traverse City stores and Light of Day Tea. From the latter, Grocer's Daughter Chocolate adds "Hummingbird Nectar" to one of their delicious tea truffles.

And, dreams do come true! This week, we finally made a visit to the Grocer's Daughter Chocolate store in Empire and found an amazing assortment of chocolate treasures. My  husband, Chris, and I sat down for a delicious flavored hot chocolate and mocha coffee, respectively, after filling our shopping bag to the top. 

Inside Grocer's Daughter Chocolate - lots of chocolate treasures to choose from

We purchased baking chocolate, several varieties of chocolate bars and a gift box (pour moi) of truffles, which included a range of blends including tea and, yes, potato chips. 

I have sampled all (in the name of research, of course) and all are incredibly good. The chocolate covered potato chip truffle, though. . . oh my gosh - they are the perfect blend of sweet and salty. An amazing treat for any occasion (or none at all).

Great place to take a hot chocolate break, too.

We met with store manager, Jennifer, who told us the store hosts events, including a chocolate tasting. (I do believe another road trip is in order soon.)

If you plan a visit, you can't miss the store (and, when in season, its neighboring gelato shop), with its cheerful lime green exterior. Once you've entered, you will literally feel like a kid (at any age) in a candy store. I did mention, dreams do come true!

For more information on events and hours, visit their website at grocersdaughter.com