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Renovation Project on a Historic Building Transforms it into a Delicious Destination...From an old building to a small shop, to an artisan chocolate factory in ten years flat!
In the fall of 1995, with no specific plans in mind, Louise and Keith McKeen purchased a historic building in Kagawong on Manitoulin Island. That began a 10 year labour of love converting a 105 year old building into an artisan chocolate manufacturing company.
In 1998 Manitoulin Chocolate Works opened it's doors delivering a unique combination of delicious handmade chocolates, confections, fresh roasted coffee and a delicious variety of sweet and savoury gourmet items from around the country, and the world.
To provide chocolate enthusiasts with a high quality taste
experience through our handcrafted confections, made with rich, flavorful
ingredients and served by knowledgeable friendly staff in an engaging, comfortable
and unique atmosphere.
Louise's passion for handmade chocolate naturally inspired her two daughters
to join the team. Heather and Brenda grew up with the family business.Following their post secondary education they have contributed their skills in production, management and public relations to help Louise transform her great idea into a unique and most successful small business.
Louise
McKeen - Proprietor Louise McKeen started up the business in 1998
and has been expanding her knowledge in chocolate ever since.
Her
education in the candy making industry includes private lessons with the head
pastry chef of Lac-Leamy du Casino in Gatineau, Quebec, a Professional Chocolatier
Certificate from Ecole Chocolat and a professional level certificate from
the French Pastry School in Chicago.
Heather
McKeen - Heather has been involved with both the retail and production
sides of the business for several years. After completing a degree in Business
Management at the University of Ottawa, she returned to Manitoulin Chocolate
Works as Manager.Heather has also earned two professional level certificates in chocolate from the French Pastry School in Chicago. She thoroughly enjoys working with chocolate and the opportunity to create new indulgences for chocolate lovers.
Brenda
McKeen - Brenda has grown-up with the business and has experience
in both retail and production.She enjoys helping customers discover new items in the store and specializes in making toffees and caramel popcorn. Brenda graduated from Algonquin College with a Business/Marketing Diploma.
Keith
McKeen - Keith has an established graphics print business called
SEC Graphics located on the same property as Manitoulin Chocolate Works.He designs and prints Manitoulin Chocolate Works product labels, assists in the advertising department, and helps out with production and maintenance.
Click
here to learn about our facility and process.