Sweet Love of Mine
Article by Brianna Melanson
Originally published in Franklin Lifestyle
Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day was not created by candy companies, but the day just wouldn’t be the same without chocolates! This February 14, handmade gourmet chocolates from Schakolad are a perfect gift to show your significant other or best friends you care.
Baruch Schaked and his son Edgar, who started the first Schakolad Chocolate Factory in Winter Park, Florida in 1995, taught Carley Matlock the family recipe and techniques of European chocolate making. Baruch traveled Europe practicing the art of traditional chocolate making and now shares his time-tested system to his franchisees so he can cover the world in chocolate. Schakolad is a fusion of Schaked and Chocolate, and is pronounced “shaq-oh-LAD”.
Schakolad has been in Franklin for 19 years. Three years ago, Franklin was lucky to have Carley take over as the owner of the location. She never expected to become a chocolatier. Carley explains, “I was a baker and cake decorator when I found out that the franchise location was left vacant and available for sale. I took a leap of faith and plunged into chocolate making.” They moved to their new Cool Springs location in July 2021.
European-style chocolate is made with high-quality, all natural ingredients and extra cocoa butter, which makes it incredibly smooth and rich. Carley and her team are constantly making the chocolates fresh in the shop every day. Schaked’s methods are at the core, but the chocolatiers are able to let their originality shine in their creations. Carley says, “It varies on which holidays, but we make thousands of ganaches, truffles, and clusters per day. My personal favorite is Dark Sea Salt Caramel. Our store’s most popular seller is our Raspberry Ganache.”
For the month of love, Schakolad is making themed treats such as chocolate covered Oreos, pretzels, cherries, Rice Krispies, and cake pops, with fun red and pink roses, hearts, and sprinkles. They have Valentine chocolate bars that say cute things like “I Love You” or “Be Mine” gift-wrapped and ready to go.
All of Schakolad’s chocolates are good for up to six months, but let’s be real – who is waiting six months to devour a local delicacy? Not us!
