Luckily for Louis and Denise Mirabella, lots of people in Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, the Valley, and a bevy of fans from across the US and Canada are passionate about their unique artisan chocolates. Their delightful shop, Chocofin Chocolatier in the Basha’s Center, is the “go-to” place in the area for exceptional desserts, ice cream, and most of all, for their exquisite handmade chocolates. Launched as a wholesale business in a Fountain Hills industrial area in 2001, Chocofin has become one of Fountain Hills' most successful boutique businesses.
Denise remarks with a smile, “We love the sense of community here, and the fact that we are five minutes from home and our son’s school has made it possible to dedicate the time our business demands and still have a family life.” Louis adds “Our peak times are holidays, when the demand for fine chocolates as gifts and luscious deserts are at their peak. I can go home after closing, have dinner with my family, return to do several hours of extra production, and still be back home at a reasonable hour. We enjoy hundreds of hours of extra leisure time because our home and business are just minutes apart.”
Networking at Chamber of Commerce functions and participation in the Fountain Hills Art Fairs increased their customer base, both inside Fountain Hills and across the country. “Wholesale sales to resorts and specialty shops remain about 20% of our business, and we have added cakes, pastries, and ice cream to our retail offerings. Summers are slower, but people still have birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Diversification, the addition of a robust online business, and loyal ‘regulars’ maintain a steady flow of business throughout the year.”
At this year’s Chamber Gala, Louis and Denise received the Mayor’s Award, a much-deserved recognition for their contributions to our community and for their successful business.
Chocofin is located at 13404 N. La Montana. Visit their website at
Chocofin.
