Butlers Chocolates Opens First Cafe in America

Is there room for another premium chocolate company in America? Butlers Chocolates thinks so. The Dublin based confectioner opened its first cafe in the United States on July 2^nd, hoping to find cocoa success in America. After first trying Butlers Chocolates while visiting Ireland in 2006, I was thrilled and fortunate enough to be one of its first customers in America.

Butlers Chocolates Opens First Cafe in America: Premium Chocolate and the economy

As I wrote in a previous article here on Associated Content, premium chocolates are actually doing well even though the American economy is still struggling. It's an affordable luxury. Butlers Chocolate Cafe not only has the affordable edge, but a premium location. Although Butlers Chocolates wanted to open its first cafe in NYC, it did land a prime retail spot at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus NJ. Less than 25 miles outside NYC, The Garden State Plaza is one of the most profitable shopping malls in the United States.

Butlers Chocolates Opens First Cafe in America: The difference between European and American tastes

According to Butlers Chocolates Retail Director Michelle McBride, one of the biggest changes Butlers Chocolate Cafe needed to make for its American customers was in its coffee drinks. European coffees are more espresso based, while nearly 70% of American coffees are brewed. Americans also enjoy iced coffee drinks more than Europeans, so the Butlers Chocolate Cafe menu in America has a selection of iced and blended drinks to choose from. And Americans will also be able to buy gelato at their Butlers Chocolate Cafe.

Butlers Chocolates Opens First Cafe in America: What's on the menu?

All the chocolates at Butlers Chocolate Cafe are made in Ireland and shipped to America. Selections include filled chocolates, truffles, fudge, and chocolate bars. Customers can also take a seat inside the cafe and enjoy various hot and iced coffee drinks, hot chocolates, teas, and blended drinks. Small sandwiches, gelato, and locally made bakery items like cakes and brownies are also available.

Butlers Chocolates Opens First Cafe in America: It's worth the trip!

As I said before, I first tasted Butlers Chocolates while in Ireland in 2006 and have been a fan since. I highly recommend the truffles and filled chocolate bars. The Garden State Plaza is located at the junction of Routes 17 and 4 in Paramus NJ. It is closed on Sundays.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Personal interview with Butler Chocolates Retail Director Michelle McBride

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/flowchart/2009/06/26/americas-most-profitable-malls.html