Beloved Houston chocolatier Araya Artisan Chocolate has announced the opening of its third location, bringing its handcrafted, single-origin delights to the heart of the vibrant Houston Heights neighborhood. Set to open in fall 2024, the new store will reside in a charming, historic 1924 house, meticulously transformed into a state-of-the-art chocolate laboratory and retail haven by the renowned Gage Architecture firm.
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new chapter, deepening our connection with the Houston community and sharing our passion for chocolate with the Heights’ residents,” says Giusseida Sicoli, owner of Araya Artisan Chocolate. “As proud residents of the Heights area ourselves, we understand the neighborhood’s appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and community spirit – values that perfectly align with our own.”
Gage Architecture, known for their innovative concepts behind Common Bond Coffee and 8 Row Flint Bar, will breathe new life into the historic structure while preserving its architectural charm. The transformed space will boast a modern chocolate laboratory, visible through large windows, offering guests a glimpse into the meticulous and artistic process. The inviting retail area will showcase Araya’s delectable selection of single-origin chocolate pieces, bars, and covered fruits, alongside thoughtfully curated gifts and merchandise.
“We are honored to collaborate with Araya Artisan Chocolate on this unique project,” says Craig Garcia, Founding Principal of Gage Architecture. “Our design vision is to create a space that seamlessly blends the building’s rich history with Araya’s modern approach to chocolate making, fostering a truly immersive and memorable experience for visitors.”
The new location marks a significant milestone for Araya Artisan Chocolate, which has been captivating Texas’ taste buds for over 14 years. With its commitment to using only the finest single-origin cacao beans and traditional, small-batch techniques, Araya has established itself as a destination for discerning chocolate lovers and corporate customers looking for memorable gifts for employees and clients. The Heights store represents an exciting opportunity to expand the brand’s reach and connect with a new community while staying true to its core values of quality, sustainability, and community engagement.
“Opening our doors in the Heights feels like coming home,” adds Sicoli. “We are eager to become an integral part of the neighborhood, offering not just exceptional chocolates and gifts, but also a welcoming space for gatherings, celebrations, and shared experiences. We look forward to unveiling this special project to the community in the fall and creating sweet memories for years to come.” About Araya Artisan Chocolate:
Founded in 2010, Araya Artisan Chocolate is a Houston-based, family-owned company dedicated to crafting the finest single-origin and master’s blend chocolate pieces, bars, and covered fruits. Using ethically sourced cacao beans and traditional, small-batch techniques, Araya creates unique and flavorful chocolate experiences that delight the senses. With two existing locations in the Houston area and a strong commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, Araya Artisan Chocolate is passionate about sharing its love of chocolate and enriching the lives of its customers. Araya Artisan Chocolate products can be found at their two existing locations, select premium hotels and Central Market (and H-E-B brand). They also ship online orders nationwide.
Media Contact
Company Name: Araya Artisan Chocolate
Contact Person: Giusseida Sicoli
Email: Send Email
Phone: +1-713-960-0850
Country: United States
Website: https://www.arayachocolate.com/
