Chicago's Best Chocolatiers

Meet the ladies feeding Chicago's sweet tooth!

It’s been proven that chocolate reacts differently with a woman’s brain than a man’s. So it’s no wonder that women and chocolate are a business match made in heaven.

“Women grow a business with an eye on the long-term future and health and success of that business,” observes Valerie Beck, founder and president of Chicago Chocolate Tours, which facilitates guided walking tours of Chicago’s chocolate hotspots. She continues, “Women chocolatiers often have a great sense of what their customers want. They inspire loyalty in their customers and form that heart-to-heart connection.” See (and taste) for yourself with these local chocolatiers’ signature sweets, and be sure to check out our video tour!

Rich Chocolates & Candies

Traditional American candies with a contemporary twist are Rich Chocolates & Candies owner Lauren Pett’s signature. “My basic philosophy is, ‘Trends may come and go, but chocolate should always be sweet,’” she says. Comfort foods and childhood favorites inspire Lauren’s hand-made molded chocolates, truffles, caramels, toffees and caramel corns. Lauren’s detailed candies can be purchased at local farmers markets, stores, online and with special arranged pick-ups at her shared kitchen. Stop by her stand at the Lincoln Square Evening Market on Thursdays and the Forest Park Farmers Market every other Friday. Truffles start at $1.95. 312.316.8683. www.richchocolates.com