"The Rockridge shop was supposed to relieve pressure on The Xocolate Bar's small Solano Avenue kitchen, according to owner Malena Lopez-Maggi, by taking on packaging, cold storage, and shipping."
"After an initial inspection by the Alameda County Environmental Health Department, Lopez-Maggi signed a 10-year lease on the Rockridge space, thinking she'd only have to make minor upgrades."
"Chocolate is so delicate that in order to really store it properly and stop time on it, you have to store it frozen, said Lopez-Maggi."
"When the inspectors arrived, Lopez-Maggi informed them she'd be storing chocolate onsite, but failed to mention that she would be using freezers to do so, which she now admits was a rookie mistake."
Xocolate & Confections in Rockridge sold its last chocolates on Valentine's Day after facing significant operational challenges. The store aimed to alleviate pressure on The Xocolate Bar's kitchen but encountered issues from the start. Initial inspections revealed extensive upgrade requirements, including a mop sink and new flooring. Additionally, the need for proper chocolate storage led to complications, as the owner did not initially disclose the use of freezers for storage. These challenges ultimately contributed to the store's closure shortly after opening.
Read at www.berkeleyside.org
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