Business & Tech
Chocolates from Around the World
Getting to know Bellafia Chocolate Boutique owner, Deborah Williams
Chocolate is such a wonderful treat and so many countries around the world have their own texture and style of creating this luscious favorite.
Deborah Williams, the owner of Bellafia Chocolate Boutique at 6028 Winthrop Town Centre Ave., Riverview, carries chocolates from a number of these countries. Germany, Venezuela, Switzerland and the United States are a few of the varieties offered.
Williams did not start out her career in the chocolate business. An Army Intelligence retiree of 27 years, Williams went to work as a consultant of Jenny Craig. She met a number of clients that voiced they “cheated” on their diet with chocolate. With the prompting of another consultant, Bellafia Chocolate Boutique was created in August 2006. Williams is now the sole owner.
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Bellafia has been a member of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce since 2007 and has also been featured on Bay News 9, Fox News and in the Osprey Observer. Most recently, Bellafia Chocolate Boutique won first place in the Best of Chocolate Confections category at the Festival of Chocolates held at the Museum of Science & Industry in January. The winning entry was from Asher’s Chocolate, the Jumbo Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.
Asher’s is one of the chocolates Bellafia carries from the United States. The store also carries Guylian Belgian chocolates; Valor Spanish chocolate; Lindt, the Swiss chocolatier; Pernigotti and Perugina from Italy. There are other varieties carried at Bellafia. These are just a sampling of some top names.
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Bellafia is able to create custom gift arrangements and baskets for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
"If we have it in stock, we can put an arrangement together that day," said Williams.
Another big draw to shopping with Bellafia is the variety of sugar-free items it carries. Williams carries about 10 different varieties of sugar-free items on a consistent basis.
“Just because you can’t have sugar doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy chocolates” Williams stated.
Besides just carrying these delectable chocolates, Bellafia carries a number of novelty chocolate-lover items, from signs and aprons to coffee cups. You can also package one of these items with some of your favorite chocolates.
Bellafia will be open through the weekend, except Sunday, and open at 10 A.M. Monday morning to help you get those last-minute Valentine’s gifts. Stop by for a special treat today.
