This past Saturday, I spent time flipping through records and notes from over the years at Santa Barbara Chocolate. It’s something I try to do now and then—not just for organizing business documents, but to reconnect with what brought this company to life. While Santa Barbara Chocolate is legally a business entity, to me it feels like a friend—one that has grown with care, personality, and consistency. The more time I’ve invested into every detail—sourcing ingredients, building relationships, responding to customers—the more the business has come to feel like a reflection of those values.
Looking back through the archives reminded me of some incredible moments—times when our chocolate traveled far beyond our workshop here in California. From presidential events to military ships and global destinations, these memories make me grateful for the connections we’ve been fortunate to make through something as simple and meaningful as chocolate.
Chocolate Shared with the World
Over the years, Santa Barbara Chocolate has been invited to some truly remarkable tables. I’m proud to share that our chocolate has been featured at not just one, but two United States Presidential Inaugural Balls. Seeing our work appreciated in such a meaningful national celebration was deeply satisfying—proof that what we make resonates with people from all walks of life.
Our products have also made their way into the hands of celebrities and public figures. From Kelsey Grammer and Oprah to Ozzy Osbourne and Jack Nicholson, the list of those who’ve tasted our chocolates continues to grow. It’s always fascinating to see who our customers are—and more rewarding when they return.
But the proudest memories often come from less public places—spaces where appreciation is just as strong, though not always visible to the world.
Serving Those Who Serve
One moment that has always stood out in my memory happened in the early 2000s. We were contacted by a representative from the USS John F. Kennedy, the historic aircraft carrier designated CV-67. The chefs aboard the vessel needed high-quality chocolate for a series of desserts planned for an important occasion: the International Naval Review on July 4, 2000, where President Bill Clinton was in attendance.
They requested bittersweet dark chocolate—and we delivered.
Santa Barbara Chocolate was used by the ship’s culinary team to prepare desserts for dignitaries and visiting officials during the ceremony. One of the standout offerings was a dark chocolate fondue, served with fresh tropical fruit and butter cookies. The event was elegant, yet grounded in service and respect—a celebration aboard a moving piece of American naval history.
To know that our chocolate played a small role in that moment—a celebration of nations, of tradition, of hard work and unity—is something I won’t forget. It wasn’t about being seen. It was about being part of something meaningful.
Support for Troops Abroad
Another story that lives close to my heart involves our support of U.S. Army troops stationed at Camp Freedom in Iraq. Coordinating these shipments required extra care due to the desert heat—summertime deliveries demanded multiple chill packs and reliable packaging. But it was worth it.
Even something small like a bar of chocolate can offer a comforting reminder of home. We heard back from some of the service members who received our shipments, and their words made everything worthwhile. It reminded us that what we make goes far beyond flavor or texture—it's a connection. A break in the day. A bit of normalcy where it’s needed most.
More Than Just a Business
When you run a small business, especially one centered around food, the work often becomes personal. Every shipment packed, every new recipe tested, and every customer email replied to is done with the awareness that you’re part of someone else’s story.
Looking back, these moments helped define what Santa Barbara Chocolate has grown into. We’re grateful to be part of birthdays, weddings, care packages, anniversaries, and sometimes even history. Whether the setting is formal or casual, stateside or overseas, the gratitude is the same.
What’s next? I’m not sure. But I wouldn’t be surprised if, a few years from now, I find myself again spending a Saturday sorting through memories—new names, new locations, new stories tied together by a common thread: chocolate.