William Dean Chocolates — Attraction in Largo

William Dean opened a new location in Midtown Tampa right next to Joffrey’s coffee. My company typically would buy chocolate from them to celebrate our staff’s birthday. I for one will not support them going forward. William Dean shares an outdoor space with Joffrey’s coffee where there are tables and chairs at each side of their store front. An elderly woman who claimed to be one of the owners made a huge fuss that I sat down at a table at Joffrey’s, which is not even in front of her store. She began by letting me know this is a business and it’s her property. I don’t know what that have to do with me sitting down at Joffrey’s. I understand that they are putting finishing touches to their grand opening, but seriously….let’s not overreact over me sitting down to drink my tea in an outdoor space. If your overall tone and demeanor is any indication of how you treat your customers, I’ll spare myself from any future interactions/encounter.

UPDATE 2/5/2022: Hi Bill, Wanted to thank you for the clarification, and have updated my review rating over the misunderstanding. I appreciate you taking the time to respond, my intent was not to diminish your reputation and the hard work you put into your store. My wife and I were just mortified over last night's interaction with the other customer who claimed she owned the property, but do appreciate you clarifying the whole misunderstanding. I have had your chocolates before and appreciate the innovation and the attention to detail you put into each chocolate. I wish you all the best and success at the new location in...

Disappointing. I've gone here many times. I also am a rewards member. My most recent visit I decided to try some new things per recommendations from staff. I tried the Paris bar ($22) and the Tokyo bar ($22). The Paris bar was fine a bit sweet but varying in texture. The Tokyo bar was not good at all. The flavor did not pop, it was very lackluster. It was very dense and hard inside. It was not of a quality you would expect at a gourmet chocolate shop.

An hour or so after tasting them, I came back to see if I could at least get an exchange for the Tokyo bar.(I did bring it back.) The employee was patronizing by her initial response stating that she couldn't take it back and resell health department laws. Of course she couldn't, resell the tasted bar! I brought it back so they could verify that i was not merely trying to get chocolate for free. I tasted it, it was not good. Then I was told by that employee that it was nothing she could do. (The employee had been there for four years, she may have been the manager.) Instead of addressing me formally or as a customer as the adult woman I am, she said "girl, I don't wanna lose my job". It is appalling to have such a brand that should stand by its gourmet and expensive product that gives no provision or concession to make sure the customer reaches...

Update: We returned a couple of times for the fig Gelato. Brought another friend yesterday to try it as well but they didn't have it. Asked to try samples of other ones to pick what they like. I tried a couple and went with the butterscotch, which was good. Two others in our party tried a couple and couldn't find what they liked. The store refused to give them another sample stating they only allow one per person so they left with nothing. Not sure how they expect people to pick their flavor without being able to taste. Small cup $5 or you can get a pint. Raspberry Leche, Peach Ginger, were just not as good as fig. I think they lost two local customers to a sample.

First time at William Dean Chocolates. We saw some pastries on other reviews but they didn't have any today. We tried Bellini, Fig, and Hazelnut Gelato, so delicious! You MUST try their fig Gelato! It's the best one we've ever had! Nice location across from our other favorite, Seaweed Restaurant. We also tried their Tropical, Passion Fruit, and I believe Strawberry Caramel bon bons, all of which were amazing! I...