@ Loves Local Heads to Cocoa + Co. in Chicago’s Old Town Neighborhood

This week @ Loves Local is heading to a chocolate lover’s paradise in Old Town. Cocoa + Co. is a local chocolate café and coffee shop that awakens senses with freshly made coffee drinks, decadent bites and of course, chocolate.

While you’ll find an array of unique chocolates curated from around the world and deliciously rich drinking chocolates, owner Kim Hack took dessert favorites to the next level. With salted caramel brownies and Rice Krispie treats topped with creamy peanut butter and thick chocolate ganache, we knew we had to share Cocoa + Co.’s creations with you.

Photos by Cocoa + Co.

We know you’re probably debating which treat to try, so while you contemplate, let’s learn how Cocoa + Co. came to be.

@properties: What inspired you to open Cocoa + Co.?

Cocoa + Co.: Although we’ve been open just over five years, the idea for Cocoa + Co. came to me in August 2001. I was in the wine industry at the time, and flying back after working with several European winemakers who were focused on the concept of Terroir, taste of place. I happened upon an article in the American Way magazine about Hawaiian cacao, and started to think of the concept of Terroir for chocolate. That’s where all this started! Just took me 14 years to figure out how to fund a store?

@properties: What makes Cocoa + Co. unique?  

Cocoa + Co.: I think of our cafe as a playground where chocolate lovers can go to discover and explore new things. We work with more than 40 craft chocolate makers from all over the world, and have a wall of over 150 bars, not to mention all the other yummy things. There’s really nothing else like it in Chicago.

@properties: Your shop is located in Old Town. Was there anything in particular about this neighborhood that drew you to it?

Cocoa + Co.: I lived in Old Town 30 years ago, before I was married, and always loved the neighborhood. It’s got just the right vibe and our neighbors have been incredibly supportive and loyal.

@properties: For @ Loves Local, we’ll be sharing some of your delectable treats with the community; your brownies and Rice Krispie treats specifically. Would you tell us a little more about them?

Cocoa + Co. The brownies are very dense and rich, with a ribbon of salted caramel folded in throughout. Our Rice Krispie treats are made with organic peanut butter and have a thick and luscious chocolate ganache top. Very decadent!

The Details:

Join us at Cocoa + Co. this Wednesday, September 9, 2020 between 12pm CT – 2pm CT to pick up either one of their signature brownies or Rice Krispie treats* on the @tab!** Cocoa + Co. is located at 1651 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614. Be sure to follow @atproperties and @cocoaandcochi on Instagram and use our hashtag #AtLovesLocal when you visit!

*While supplies last

**Limit either one brownie or Rice Krispie treat per person. When visiting, please respect others by wearing a mask and maintaining a 6-foot distance.