A café with chocolate roots has proven to be a draw for events in Norwalk.
Fritz Knipschildt and Chocopologie Café, which also houses his chocolate manufacturing company Knipschildt Chocolatier, has become one of the most recognized storefronts in South Norwalk and has continued to attracted events, both business and personal.
The company, which began 11 years ago, and the storefront, which opened five years ago, have since then begun to host events simply because of the setting.
“We bring people in because of the atmosphere,” said Knipschildt.
Knipschildt, who is Danish, began Knipschildt Chocolatier as one of the first chocolate producers in America to create types of chocolate that were more than dark, milk and white.
“When we began, we were the only ones creating these different types of lines,” said Knipschildt. “We were introducing some of the things being done in Europe that had yet to make it here.” They include dark rum, orange and honey chocolate truffles and burnt caramel with Hawaiin sea salt truffles.
Today Knipschildt sells in more than 1,200 stores around the country.
Since being in the storefront in Norwalk, he has developed into a café and restaurant in addition to chocolate manufacturer. Then came the addition of events, which came about by trying to encourage people to come to the store and simply hangout.
“I never began offering events,” said Knipschildt. “People simply asked if we offered our location for events, the setting was simply comfortable.”
Knipschildt said the size of the space also applied to small- and medium-sized businesses, which make up much of the Norwalk scene. The Chocopologie space can accommodate 100 guests.
“We wanted it to be inviting,” said Knipschildt. “We began inviting people for chocolate and wine tasting and chocolate truffle classes. People loved the atmosphere and began renting for baby showers and bachelorette parties. Soon the same people began to rent it for corporate events.”
Knipschildt said the chamber of commerce has also encouraged Norwalk businesses to support Chocopologie as an option for events.
“We do many, many parties for such a small place,” said Knipschildt.
Knipschildt said the store is currently in talks with brokers for neighboring real-estate to expand, though he could not disclose the specific addresses being considered.
“Anyone can have space but the atmosphere you bring to the space really matters,” said Knipschildt.
Knipschildt said he had been lucky to achieve a constant production and business activity level at the start of 2008. Since then: “We have found a way to operate and operate events well, and we”™re looking at expanding,” said Knipschildt.
The Chocopologie location is now booked at least 5 evenings every week. Knipschildt said encouraging people through emails and offering deal has been just important to an active event business of which they have stepped up in the past two years.
“There will always be other places to have events,” said Knipschildt.
Knipschildt said with less and less stores in downtown Norwalk and less foot traffic during the recession has made creating incentives gain importance.”
Knipschildt often ensures that during the Chocopologie events the manufacturing chocolatiers are working offering guests to watch artisan chocolates being made. He said hey it has proven to be an attraction.
