Master Chocolatier Bernard Callebaut has made a deal with LUX Restaurant Group to expand the papa chocolat brand and build a new factory in downtown Calgary.
Callebaut announced the deal on Thursday and says it marks a new chapter in the future the company.
"Today marks a new chapter in the future of papa chocolate," says Callebaut, "The Luxury (LUX) Restaurant Group has taken a non-controlling equity position in papa chocolat that will allow us to work with their team to expand our brand in Canada and the United States.
Lux will receive the master franchise rights for North America.
"We believe papa chocolat is ideally suited to our LUX Restaurant Group and in particular our Chiasso Cafés which will begin selling papa chocolat creations immediately. We also plan on integrating Bernard's ideas for chocolate themed desserts into our Flatiron Kitchen and Bar restaurants," said Adam Drybrough, partner, LUX Group.
The acquisition will allow Callebaut to move forward with the construction of a new 5,500 sq. ft. chocolate factory in downtown Calgary.
The new factory will be at the corner of 10th Ave. & 1 St. S.E. and will likely be operational later this summer.
The group also plans to continue to open papa chocolat corporate stores in various markets including Calgary.
The company is celebrating by handing out papa chocolat treats to the public on Saturday, April 23 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Chiasso Café on 17th Ave. and 8th St. S.W.
