ORLANDO, Fla. — The art of making hand-dipped chocolate has changed and become much more manufactured over the years. However, one factory, Chocolate Kingdom, has remained true to its roots.
That is thanks to one man, Edgar Schaked, a third-generation chocolate maker and owner of the Chocolate Kingdom.
What You Need To Know
- Chocolate Kingdom gives visitors a look at how it makes hand-dipped chocolate
- The grandfather of owner Edgar Schaked learned the art in Switzerland
- The family opened multiple shops, including one in Orlando
- On interactive guided tours, visitors even can design their own chocolate bar
“My grandfather started making chocolate in 1938, and he learned to make it in Europe,” Schaked said.
His grandfather learned in Switzerland and eventually moved with his family to the United States. Schaked's father followed in the family footsteps and made a career out of chocolate.
They opened their first shop in Miami in 1985. Schaked later helped his father expand even more, opening Chocolate Kingdom in Orlando and a host of other shops across the United States.
“We have stores in Texas, Indiana, Florida, all over really,” Schaked said.
Visitors can explore the Orlando factory with interactive guided tours that take them through the operations and showcase how Chocolate Kingdom still uses old-school machines and hand dips all of its chocolate creations.
Visitors can even try their hands at chocolate making by designing their own chocolate bar at the end of the tour. It's a very personalized experience as visitors can watch their chocolate creations being made.
Chocolate Kingdom is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the factory and the tours offered, visit Chocolate Kingdom’s website.