Over the past 15 years, our chocolate factory has had several homes. As we look back over the life of our business, the buildings we have made chocolate in were crucial in shaping the course and trajectory of our growing business. Each one of these locations felt like just what we needed, at just the right time. Beyond that, there were also some amazing landlords along the way that believed in us, and helped us to get a foot up at times where we really needed it.
In the early days of Dick Taylor Chocolate, we needed a home that would allow us to basically prove our concept without breaking the bank. That perfect location turned out to be a vacant cafe space, ironically, at the hardwood lumber yard in Arcata where we would purchase materials for our carpentry profession at the time. The generous owner of the lumber yard made us an offer we couldn’t refuse, it even included utilities! We quickly set up shop, and got to work making chocolate on Mondays. We lasted 5 years in our first location, and during that time, we were really able to hone our craft and increase our sales, without mortgaging the house. As the years passed, we began to feel like we were bursting at the seams and were ready for a new facility that would allow us to increase production quite a bit.
Began making chocolate in a small cafe at Almquist Lumber
Arcata in November 2010. Approx. 1,100 sq ft.
While we needed more space, we weren't quite sure what or where the next step was. We were approached at that time by another very generous landlord who believed in us and felt like he had the perfect spot. After chatting with him and touring his building, we decided we couldn’t turn down his generosity. We quickly found ourselves moving into a significantly bigger facility in Eureka. This new factory allowed us to substantially increase our production, and in turn grow our wholesale business across the country. The new building also had one new feature for us, a cafe/storefront. For the first time, we were able to sell chocolate and treats directly to consumers, as well as start doing tours through our humble facility. Over the next 8 years we continued to grow and expand, and eventually we were yet again feeling like we were quickly outgrowing the space. At that point we realized a move was on the horizon one more time.
Remodeled empty warehouse located at 4th street Eureka.
Moved in February 2015. Approx. 6,500 sq ft.
Moved in February 2015. Approx. 6,500 sq ft.
As we pondered our next move we really felt like we were at a crossroads with the direction we could take the business. One thought was to move to a larger facility outside of town and work to build a more robust wholesale side of the business, primarily focusing on increasing volume and output. The other thought was to move closer to the heart of town, and further develop the rapidly growing retail facing side of our business. Our leaning was toward the latter, and was confirmed when we located our current facility on the waterfront in Old Town Eureka. The old building needed lots of work and vision to turn it into our dream facility, but somehow all the pieces fell together and it started to seem like a reality. Over a 4 year period, we were able to purchase the building and extensively remodel it, breathing much needed new life into one of the oldest buildings on the Eureka Waterfront!!
Purchased historic warehouse on the waterfront in Old Town Eureka.
Moved in November 2022. Approx. 7,000 sq ft.
Finally after all these years, it feels like we are home!! Our cafe is constantly growing and the unique treats we have to offer are ever expanding. We have been loving our new waterfront space and the factory has really become a part of the old town landscape. We hope you can come visit and try some of our award winning chocolate. Maybe take a tour! See you soon.
ADAM & DUSTIN