Company marks 40th Anniversary with Ultimate Chocolate Experience
Vermont Business Magazine Family-owned company Lake Champlain Chocolates (LCC) has been a mainstay in the south end of Burlington since its founding in 1983 so it is only fitting that the Flagship Store at 750 Pine Street received a significant renovation and expansion to mark the company’s 40th year in business.
Born from a dare to do better, Jim Lampman founded Lake Champlain Chocolates with hand-rolled creamy truffles crafted with local Vermont ingredients. Forty years later, the company is still going strong with national distribution from coast to coast while staying true to its Vermont roots.
“It is our local customers who gave us our start,” says Eric Lampman, President, and second-generation owner. “We don’t take those customers for granted, and so we are thrilled to re-open our doors and provide them with the ultimate chocolate experience.”
Visitors to the iconic store will have views into the Innovation Kitchen; home to the Research and Development team and a space where some of LCC’s confectioners, bakers, and ice cream makers collaborate to make the indulgences served daily at the Flagship store and the three other company-owned stores in Vermont.
“On any given day, customers might see a baker whipping up our Chocolate Truffle Torte, dipping marshmallows in chocolate or a chocolatier working on a new recipe that could eventually become a product on shelves across the country,” says Lampman. “This location previously was home to our entire factory and while our production outgrew the space, we are proud to continue the maker tradition of Burlington’s South End with our award-winning, house made ice cream, retail specialty confections and baked goods made on-site. We want customers to catch a glimpse of the craftmanship and passion that go into making our premium chocolates and desserts.”
Brand storytelling, improved merchandising, spacious floor plan, and enhanced lighting create an elevated shopping experience. Customers will discover new confections like a limited-edition anniversary chocolate and six new varieties of chocolate bark, as well as enjoy complimentary samples. New offerings also include a bakery with fresh pastries and desserts baked daily, and an expanded café with bar and table seating for 20.
“With a 50% increase in space, the store is inspiring and inviting and offers a welcoming place for customers to grab a seat and experience new items like the Hazelnut Five Star sundae, the Burlington Blackout Cake, or a croissant with chocolate ganache. Guests also can shop for perennial favorites like factory seconds, truffles, and Five Star Bars®. This expansion project affirms our commitment to the Burlington community as well as ensures that LCC is on the map as a must-see tourist destination.” says Lampman.
A Grand Re-Opening celebration is planned for Wednesday September 27- Sunday October 1. The public is invited to explore the new space while enjoying anniversary specials like 40% off all bulk truffles. LCC staff will be scooping up their house made ice cream, pulling espresso drinks from the state-of-the-art Mod Bar, and offering samples of LCC’s chocolate confections and new bakery items. The Flagship store will have new and expanded hours, open 8am-6pm, seven days a week.
ABOUT LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHOCOLATES:
Born from a dare to do better, Lake Champlain Chocolates is driven by a passion to change the world one delicious chocolate at a time and celebrates its 40th year in business this year. As a multi-generational, family-owned Vermont business, LCC is dedicated to the values of passion, integrity, and care. Their premium chocolates are crafted with 100% fair trade certified chocolate and the highest quality ingredients in Vermont, like fresh cream, honey, and pure maple syrup. They never use preservatives, additives or extenders and seek out organic and fair trade certified ingredients whenever possible. A Certified B Corporation®, LCC uses business as a force for good and makes a positive impact locally and globally on people, planet, and profit.
Lake Champlain Chocolates can be found at specialty food stores and grocers nationwide, online at lakechamplainchocolates.com and at their four company-owned stores in Vermont: Pine Street and Church Street in Burlington, Route 100 in Waterbury, and Main Street in Stowe.
Source: 9.21.2023. Burlington, VT- Lake Champlain Chocolates
