Bissinger’s, Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate opening a cafe on the Hill in fall 2024 as part of major expansion

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate acquired iconic St. Louis brand Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier in 2019, and now the company owned by the Abel family has planned a major expansion for 2024. After purchasing the Ford Tool & Steel building adjacent to their main production facility on the Hill at 5025 Pattison Ave., the business will renovate its current warehouse and connect the two properties, which will soon span over 85,000 square feet combined.

A new cafe has been in the works for over three years and will offer an assortment of locally made pastries, fresh bread, sandwiches, coffee, tea and, of course, plenty of chocolate. “We are working with a full coffee, tea, lemonade and premium espresso drinks menu with cappuccino, lattes and americanos, as well as premium sandwiches with Companion Bread, Volpi meats and locally sourced cheeses,” said Dan Abel Jr., a second-generation chocolatier, adding that a lot of the specifics are still in the works. “We are currently meeting with different companies for tastings of different coffee blends, espresso blends, wines and possible liquor pairings. We are also building a special menu for private events for special chocolate tastings as well.”

The new building that will connect the properties will be about 5,000 square feet with about 3,500 square feet dedicated to the café and event space. The event space will have 10 to 12 tables and the front café will have 8 to 10 tables with an outdoor brick patio with tables and chairs when weather permits. The cafe will be decorated with chocolate brown, white subway tiles, copper and wood. “We are really looking at earthy tones that represent both brands,” Abel Jr. said.

 

 

In addition to the cafe and event space, as well as significantly ramping up production, this will allow the company to bolster their tours. Tours currently are free and about 15 minutes, both starting and ending in the retail shop. After the renovation, they will be 30 to 45 minutes long and will begin in the cafe and end in the retail shop. Abel Jr. said they’re contemplating offering even longer, more comprehensive paid tours, though details have not been finalized.

The new development comes on the heels of national expansion for both brands, which can be found in over 5,000 retail stores throughout the country, including local spots like Dierbergs, Schnucks and Straub’s.

“Chocolate is always on the menu with my family and now we are excited to [show] you what else is on the plate,” Chris Abel, chief chocolatier and vice president of manufacturing, said in a release.

The Abel family is aiming for a fall grand opening celebration for the new space, so keep an eye on social media for more details.