Schakolad Chocolate Factory — St. Petersburg
Meet Jane and Darryn Rakestraw with Schakolad Chocolate Factory St. Petersburg.
Schakolad is one of those local businesses I love having on my resource list because chocolate works for so many occasions. Whether you need a thoughtful client gift, something special for a birthday or anniversary, a beautiful holiday box, a thank-you for a referral partner or simply a great place to stop for coffee and something sweet, Jane, Darryn and their team make the experience feel personal.
Jane purchased the downtown St. Petersburg shop in 2019 and now runs it with her daughter, Darryn. Jane focuses heavily on product planning, production and the corporate side of the business, while Darryn helps keep the day-to-day operation moving. Together, they have expanded the shop, created a larger chocolate kitchen and placed a strong emphasis on corporate and branded gifting.
What I especially appreciate about Schakolad is that their chocolates are made fresh on the premises. Instead of simply receiving finished products from a warehouse, the local team prepares and dips chocolates in the store, giving them flexibility to create custom products and personalize gifts for customers.
That customization is particularly helpful for businesses. Schakolad can create chocolates featuring a company logo, custom message or design, making them a wonderful option for client appreciation, closing gifts, employee recognition, referral thank-yous, special events and holiday gifting.
Their offerings go well beyond traditional boxed chocolates. The shop carries handcrafted truffles, chocolate-covered treats, gift baskets, chocolate bars, chocolate-covered strawberries, seasonal gifts and French pastries, along with coffee, hot chocolate and specialty chocolate beverages.
They also offer a really fun experience for anyone who loves chocolate. Their Chocolate 101 class gives guests the opportunity to learn how chocolate is made, create a custom chocolate bar, hand-dip treats and try some of the equipment used by the chocolatiers. It can make a unique outing for friends, families, clients or small groups.
As a real estate professional, I think their corporate gifting is especially useful. There are so many moments when we want to thank someone, celebrate a closing, welcome someone to a new home or simply let a client know we are thinking about them. A beautiful box of locally made chocolate feels personal while still being polished enough for a professional gift.
I love gifts that feel thoughtful and personal without being complicated. Jane and Darryn can create beautiful handcrafted chocolates for everything from a simple thank-you to a custom-branded client gift, and knowing they are made right here in downtown St. Petersburg makes them even more special.
If you are looking for handcrafted chocolates, custom corporate gifts, client or closing gifts, chocolate gift baskets, truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, French pastries, specialty chocolate drinks or a fun chocolate-making experience in the Tampa Bay area, I recommend contacting Jane or Darryn Rakestraw with Schakolad Chocolate Factory in St. Petersburg.
Their specialty is creating fresh, handcrafted chocolate gifts and experiences that can be personalized for individuals, businesses and special occasions, including custom-branded chocolates that turn a delicious gift into a memorable client or company presentation.