Discovering French Broad Chocolate: A Bean-to-Bar Journey
French Broad Chocolate is more than just a chocolate maker; it’s a story of passion, adventure, and a deep connection to place. It all began when Dan Rattigan and Jael Skeffington met in 2003 and soon after, left their Midwestern lives behind for a cacao plantation in Costa Rica. From a humble café called Bread & Chocolate in Puerto Viejo de Limon to the bustling streets of Asheville, North Carolina, their journey is as rich and layered as the chocolate they craft. French Broad Chocolate embodies the spirit of bean-to-bar chocolate making, focusing on quality, community, and sustainability.
Main Benefits and Key Facts About French Broad Chocolate
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes French Broad Chocolate stand out:
- B Corp score of 86, reflecting strong social and environmental performance
- Started in Costa Rica, now rooted in Asheville, North Carolina
- Operates a 14,000 square foot factory near UNC Asheville
- Produces nearly 50 tons of chocolate annually
- Opened the French Broad Chocolate Lounge in downtown Asheville in 2014
- Committed to sourcing cacao directly from trusted farmers
- Focuses on local ingredients and community collaboration
The Humble Beginnings in Costa Rica
Dan and Jael’s story is pretty unique. After meeting at a wedding, they took a life-changing trip to Costa Rica and decided to ditch their graduate studies. They packed up their lives into a vegetable oil-powered school bus—yes, you read that right—and drove south. Landing in Puerto Viejo de Limon, they bought an abandoned cacao plantation and opened Bread & Chocolate, a café and dessert shop that quickly became a local favorite. It was here that their love for cacao blossomed into a lifestyle, even as they realized they weren’t exactly “beach people.”
Bringing Chocolate Magic to Asheville
After selling Bread & Chocolate, Dan and Jael headed back north, eventually settling in Asheville, North Carolina. They started French Broad Chocolate right in their home kitchen, sharing their creations online and at farmers markets. The demand grew fast, leading to the opening of the French Broad Chocolate Lounge in 2008. This cozy spot quickly became a go-to indulgence haven for locals. By 2009, the lounge expanded to multiple floors due to its popularity, and in 2014, it found a new home in Pack Square, right in the heart of downtown Asheville.
Bean-to-Bar Philosophy and Growth
In 2012, the dream of becoming true bean-to-bar chocolate makers came to life with the opening of the French Broad Chocolate Factory & Tasting Room. This step allowed Dan and Jael to deepen their connection to cacao farmers and control every part of the chocolate-making process. They carefully select ingredients that honor the integrity of the cacao and the local community. Fast forward to 2018, and the factory moved to a spacious 14,000 square foot facility at Ramp Studios near UNC Asheville, boosting production capacity to nearly 50 tons per year. It’s a testament to their commitment to quality and growth without losing sight of their roots.
The Meaning Behind the Name: The French Broad River
The French Broad River isn’t just a name—it’s a symbol of the company’s connection to Asheville and its unique cultural terroir. Terroir, often talked about in wine and chocolate circles, usually refers to soil, climate, and growing conditions. But for French Broad Chocolate, terroir means something deeper: the spirit of place, the community, and the collaboration that defines Asheville’s local business scene. The river, one of the oldest in the world, represents constant change and flow—values that Dan and Jael embrace as lifelong learners and creators in the chocolate craft.
French Broad Chocolate’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – supporting local farmers and creating jobs
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – bean-to-bar transparency and sustainable sourcing
- SDG 15: Life on Land – promoting sustainable agriculture practices with cacao farmers
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with regional chocolate makers and local producers
Continuing the Chocolate Journey
French Broad Chocolate’s story is far from over. With a foundation built on adventure, community, and respect for the craft, Dan and Jael continue to innovate and grow. They remain dedicated to learning, improving, and pushing the boundaries of what chocolate can be. Their journey from a small café in Costa Rica to a thriving chocolate factory in Asheville is a reminder that passion, paired with purpose, can create something truly special. And for chocolate lovers everywhere, that’s a sweet story worth savoring.
