Great Lakes Chocolate & Dessert Co. — Restaurant in Traverse City

Stopped by last Thursday to pick up some wonderful goodies for my Family. There were a couple shopping for what they wanted to purchase so the service person waited on me first. I KNOW most of the employees that service my orders. I have not met this person before. I mentioned that I was going to place a larger order, and I don't mind waiting for the other customers to be served. She chose to serve me first. Great. When I frequent this business, I try to learn about the geniuses that chose to make their talents a wonderful addition to our Community. Shanna and her Husband, both are graduates from the CIA (Culinary School of America) i assumed in NY, NY Impressive news on my first visit! And THEN, I tried their offerings, in my car, in the parking lot! Went BACK in and purchased most every item they offered! Shanna was kind enough to package my purchases in separate, really NICE boxes, so I could distribute them to my Family and Neighbors and Friends! (In beautiful GLCC bags!). I was so happy and so impressed with her. (And the BAKER, her husband). I continued to frequent this business, over other choices, because the products were RIDICULOUSLY excellent! I was proud to turn my circle on to their business! Each bag had their NAME and business moto Last year the owner told me about the NEW business they were opening in Leland, MI. I was very excited for them on this KNEW venture! (Though I was slightly concerned about the winter months and the viability of business they may face!) To the point. While I was placing my very LARGE order, I inquired about the restaurant and how it was doing. She hesitated. It's going OK. I mentioned that we hadn't gotten up their get to enjoy, and would they be open this fall? She was hesitant and said they hadn't decided yet if they would stay open thru the winter! I guess she told me the truth. However, if I were the owner, and she was my employee, I would wish for her to tell EVERYONE how terrific the food/coffee/chocolate were and we should GO there! Hmmm! Back to my complaint. I always order at least 40, 50, 60 dollars of product! Shanna always packages them up for me in separate packages and beautiful bags so I can distribute them the Neighbors and Friends/Family. That didn't happen Thursday. When I saw how she was packaging, i let it go! (She must be new). Everything all in the same box and placed IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAG! NO. I asked her to at least place the order in the beautiful white bags Shanna had ALWAYS used! She said,"oh, we ran out of them! " "oh ya, I guess I have them here now!" Really? AND, she would not allow me to use the rewards from $55.00 purchase. Said I had to use it NEXT time! Huh? That never happened before! Maybe they changed the rewards program? What ever. Advice: FOCUS on the Flagship store you two! And TRAIN the employees you are leaving that FLAGSHIP STORE in charge of while you are Baking and Managing the small business in Leland! I will continue to be a regular customer. Will call my order in advance with instructions on how I would appreciate it being packaged In order to continue to spread the word about THE BEST CHICOLATE/DESSERT business in Traverse City. Everything's all good...

Great Lakes chocolate is a fantastic destination for anyone in the Traverse City area looking for some delicious desserts. Their selection of truffles, bonbons, and chocolate bars is truly impressive, and the fact that they source their beans from around the world using direct trade processes is a testament to their commitment to quality and sustainability.

One of their standout offerings is their signature dessert, Life by Chocolate (one of my dad’s favorites).

The owners, Shana and Dave, are also incredibly friendly and passionate about what they do. It's clear that they take great care in every step of the process, from sourcing the beans to crafting the final product.

In addition to their many chocolate offerings, they also has a variety of coffee and tea drinks, covered cherries and almonds, and daily selection of cookies, scones, and pastries.

All in all, Great Lakes chocolate is a must-visit destination for anyone in the Traverse City area looking to treat themselves to some truly...

Great Lakes Chocolate & Dessert obtains cocoa beans from local farmers and makes the most decadent chocolate right there in their shop. Very cute place, and smells amazing!! They had the cutest “Cocoa Bombs” for sale. I purchased two.yesterday, and we enjoyed them after dinner last night. They did not disappoint. Worth the stop! I also purchased a bag of their chocolate turtles to try which had dried cherries added to them. Highly recommend. Very delicious! I also purchased a bag of their salted caramel marshmallows. Thought they would be nice to have on hand in our pantry to top off a cup of hot cocoa on the cooler evenings, or to use on Summertime S’Mores out back at our fire pit. Lots of chocolate bars for sale and cute Holiday chocolates as well. (Bunnies left over from Easter were super cute and they were vanilla and...