From Fine Dining to Fine Chocolate: Our Harvest Chocolate Story

How We Went from Fine Dining to Craft Chocolate

Life has a funny way of leading you down paths you never expected. For years, our world was the fast-paced, high-pressure universe of fine dining. From the meticulous kitchens of San Francisco and Napa Valley to the bustling restaurant scenes of Chicago and New York City, our lives revolved around perfectly plated entrees and desserts, complex flavor pairings, and the relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. We loved it, but we were working for someone else's dream.

We knew we wanted something more—something that was truly ours. So, we decided to go for it! We left the world we knew behind, seeking a new path that felt more connected to the ingredients, the process, and the people behind the food.

And that’s when we found chocolate.

Or maybe, it found us.

A New Kind of Passion

It started as a curiosity and quickly blossomed into a full-blown obsession. We weren’t interested in melting down pre-made chocolate; we wanted to understand it from the very beginning. We dove headfirst into the world of bean-to-bar chocolate making, studying the craft inside and out. We traveled to the lush landscapes where cacao grows, walking the farms and meeting the incredible farmers who dedicate their lives to cultivating this beautiful ingredient.

We fell in love all over again—this time, with the incredible complexity and story held within a single cacao bean. We discovered that, just like wine, where a cacao bean is grown—its terroir—imparts a unique and vibrant character. One bean could be bright and fruity, another nutty and rich, another deep and fudgy.

This was it. This was the story we wanted to tell. And so, Harvest Chocolate was born.

Chocolate with a Purpose

From the very beginning, we built Harvest on a foundation of clear, deeply held values. We wanted to create more than just delicious chocolate; we wanted to build a business that was thoughtful, transparent, and welcoming to everyone.

Our commitments are simple:

• To Support Farmers: Before there is a chocolate maker, there is a farmer. We believe their prosperity is a key ingredient in good chocolate. We are committed to ethical, direct sourcing that ensures farmers are paid fairly for their incredible work.

• To Use Simple, Quality Ingredients: Our chocolate celebrates the true flavor of the cacao bean. That’s why our single-origin bars contain just two ingredients: thoughtfully sourced cacao beans and organic cane sugar. All our products are—and always will be—vegan and gluten-free, so that everyone can enjoy them without worry.

• To Embrace the Craft: We do everything ourselves, right here in our workshop in Tecumseh, Michigan. We roast the beans, crack and winnow the shells, and refine and conche the chocolate for days to develop its flavor. We even use the leftover shells to make a roasty, comforting Chocolate Tea, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

An Invitation to a New Experience

For us, chocolate isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s an experience. It’s a moment to slow down, to savor, and to connect. It’s a journey to a different part of the world in a single bite. It’s the centerpiece of a gathering with friends and family around the table.

We pour the same passion and meticulous care into every bar we create as we did in our fine-dining days. We invite you to explore the incredible world of craft chocolate with us. Take a bite, and indulge a little. You deserve it.