Denver's Chocolate Crisis Center Brings on Sweet Factor + Q&A

Chocolate Crisis Center (Denver, CO)

Move over craft beer! Craft chocolate is taking Colorado by storm. Chocolatiers across the state are stirring up inventive chocolate flavors and designs sure to satiate any chocolate craving. Made with gourmet ingredients and lots of creativity, these chocolate confections add a touch of sweetness to the Colorado culinary landscape. Learn where Chocolate Crisis Center founders Lisa Heppner & JC Bourque first encountered a “chocolate crisis” and how the idea for the center was born in our Q/A session:

Q: How did the store come to be?

A: About 10 years ago, while on vacation, we witnessed a woman digging frantically through her purse at an overlook in Rocky Mountain National Park. When one of her companions asked what she was doing, she exclaimed that she was having a “chocolate crisis.” We were intrigued by the idea that people have such intense cravings for chocolate, and we started looking into it. We found hundreds of references and postings on the internet in which people used that same phrase— “chocolate crisis”— to describe their cravings. The concept of the Chocolate Crisis Center was born, and we applied our experience in advertising and marketing to develop the idea into a brand.

Q: How do you find inspiration for flavors? What is the most popular?

A: Product research is the most demanding part of our work. Sampling countless delectable chocolate confections every year is daunting enough, and winnowing the possibilities to around a dozen flavors can be utterly heartbreaking— but it’s a burden we willingly bear for our customers.

One of the perennial favorites is Tiramisu Cocoa Caramels, which is part of our permanent line. Last holiday season our White Chocolate Gingersnap was a big hit. We are continually adding new flavors to the lineup to keep our offering fresh and interesting. Salted caramel is a flavor combination that has lately been popular in ice cream and desserts, so we added Chocolate Sea Salt Carmelita to the line and it immediately became a best seller.

Q: How has Colorado responded to the storefront?

A: They love us. Especially on First Fridays, when we are open late, and feature free cocktails, chocolate tastings, and our interactive creative project “Be Part of the Art.” Visitors to the store can participate in this performance art project by joining Dr. Ernst Angst for a “therapy” session, using a variety of props and costumes to create hilarious photos that are posted to our website and Facebook page. Our next event is February 7, 5-9pm where we’ll be celebrating with a Valentine’s Day theme.

We also host the RiNo Epicurean Market twice yearly— in May at the start of the farmer’s market season, and in November for early holiday shopping.

Q: Why is RiNo the perfect location?

 

Put simply, RiNo is the hottest thing going in the Front Range art scene. The district attracts people from all over the region, offers a wide variety of creativity and entertainment, and gets great press. Our store is right in the middle of it all.

A: What do you most love about Colorado?

Where do you start? The most startling thing that newcomers notice about Denverites is how friendly and positive they are. The front range is the perfect place for an active and healthy lifestyle, and it shows in the attitudes of the residents. Of course, there’s the great weather, endless activities, a great art scene and fantastic food. Being the hub of the microbrew movement doesn’t hurt, either. There’s nothing not to like.

Q: What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?

A: Chocolate Crisis Center offers a secret program for dentists, which allows them to purchase chocolate in bulk with complete anonymity. Even the NSA doesn’t know about it. Well, until now.