The Sweet Story of Dietrichs Chocolate
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The Sweet Story of Dietrichs Chocolate
When Erich Dietrich, owner of Dietrichs Chocolate & Espresso, left Germany after the war in 1978, his focus was on playing professional soccer in Chicago. But when crowds weren’t selling out, he decided to head back into the world of cocoa. Moving to Denver to open a chocolate shop seemed like a natural fit. Erich apprenticed under a choclatier in Germany and the skills stuck. “After the war so many people were finding apprenticeships. It just so happened there was a spot with a choclatier and that was that,” says Erich.
When Erich bought a chocolate shop off Colfax Avenue he took notice of the talent of an employee, Elizabeth Gates, who also moved from Germany after the war. Gates was working in the shop after leaving a job at Russell Stover and the two have been the best of friends since. “I think he saw how fast I could work. Erich is very big into efficiency and waiting no movements or time. It’s a strategy,” smiles Elizabeth.
Even at 77-years-old her skills are still sharp. “She works for the love of it and the life of it. Age doesn’t dictate retirement,” says Erich. The same is true for Erich, who at 66-years-old is still able to crank out 400 pounds of chocolate in one day and then head on to soccer practice where he still plays in a league.
Check out the truffle shelf and you will notice elevated flavors. “That’s the beauty of owning your own shop. I can be creative. We can discuss flavors and make it the next day,” says Erich.
The Sweet Story of Dietrichs Chocolate
Another shop employee, Adrienne, makes some of the inventive flavors. She infuses truffles with earl grey and pomegranate. Others, like the peach honey truffle are made with palisade peaches.
But for Elizabeth, her favorite flavor is pretty basic– the chocolate truffle. “Taste it and you will see why,” says Elizabeth as she sits at one of the lunch tables inside the shop. But also be warned that you may taste it and be back again and again as has been proven by other fans. “Some of our customers are going into the 3rd generation. That means we are getting old,” laughs Erich.
Carri’s Catch: Check out the shops “newest oldest product,” a chocolate sauce made with a German Recipe from 1901. The shop also serves a Bavarian style breakfast and lunch, where you can dine in a chocolate filled atmosphere.
The Sweet Story of Dietrichs Chocolate
Dietrichs Chocolate & Espresso
1734 E Evans Ave Denver, CO 80210
