Exciting changes for POSH CHOCOLAT

There are some exciting changes in store for Missoula’s award winning chocolate company, Posh Chocolat. The company has been open for five and a half years and in 2010 has gained national recognition for their confectionary expertise and creativity. However, the “chocolate cafe” is only part of the vision, owners Ana and Jason Willenbrock had when they first opened their doors. They hoped one day to turn the little chocolate shop into a deli and chocolate bar, offering house made gourmet foods, along with cured meats and fine cheeses. The couple has decided to focus on what they do best, award winning artisan chocolates. So, in order to grow the Willenbrock's vision of a gourmet food store, Posh Chocolat will partner with Curtis Strohl and Nate Jerell. The partnership provides the opportunity for the progression of the business as well as preserving the vitality of downtown by contributing to the growing food community in Missoula.

“It is exciting to be part of the growing culinary scene in Missoula. With our recent national recognition, diversifying our focus will help keep the energy of downtown missoula vibrant,” says owner and chocolatier, Jason Willenbrock.

The transition of the shop with begin in September, and in October “The Mercantile Deli and Chocolate Bar,” is planned to open. Curtis and Nate will be developing the space as a eat in or take out deli shop and will continue to carry Posh Chocolat truffles, chocolate bars and caramel collections. The idea behind “The Mercantile” is to embrace the
history of downtown and the historic “Missoula Mercantile,” opened in 1866.

Chocolatiers Ana and Jason Willenbrock will be working behind the scenes to focus on their chocolate creations. Throughout the years Posh Chocolat has found its niche within the confectionary world. August 30th, 2010 the Las Vegas Chocolate Salon awards were announced, adding eight awards to POSH, including “Best in Salon” and “Most Gifted Chocolatier.” Throughout the year they have also found success at the San Francisco Chocolate Salon, Seattle Chocolate Salon and recognized as “2010 Best Chocolatiers and Confectioners in America.” The couple has taken this success and decided to run with it. The partnership will allow them to grow Posh Chocolat to its true potential. They will be able to focus on current and prospective wholesale accounts, online sales and in-store sales. The benefits will be passed on to the current customers who can continue to purchase Posh in the same downtown location as well as other retailers in Missoula and the Northwest. The couple could not be more excited to further develop their passion and the continual contribution and development of the culinary community of Missoula.