Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Michel Carre.
Jean Michel and Jill moved to Semur-en-Auxious, France having re-established themselves after leaving La Jolla, San Diego to start another chapter in their lives. In this case, creating and building their own restaurant where Jean Michel, chef de cuisine started expanding his menu ideas and Jill running the front, This combination was quite the novelty, not only with the French favorites, but some California delights that kept our local village and surrounding areas coming back.
After 16 years, Jill & Jean Michel missing the California life, sold their restaurant “Restaurant du CaliBressan” a combination of Cali (California) and Bresse (Bressan) and changed it up to be “Chocolats du CaliBressan” and started creating chocolates for the Santa Barbara region and beyond. With two shops, wholesale and retail, chocolates, gelato, espresso, chocolate club, “J’Adore”, shipping, they have found themselves their piece of paradise.
Has it been a smooth road?
Smooth? I wish I could say yes! Opening in November 19, 2007, the road was about to get bumpy. 2008 the recession was in full bloom. A luxury item such as a high-end chocolate was not what people were thinking about. Between fires and floods in this region we’ve had our share, with the most devastating years ahead hitting us in 2017 with the Thomas fire. Then 2018, the Montecito flood, so much destruction, evacuation and loss. Now 2020, we all are dealing with Covid 19. All of the above has taken a toll on how we have grown.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a chocolate manufacturing and retail company. Jean Michel creates delicious, handmade chocolates a process of three days. These chocolates are not only beautiful to admire but heaven for your taste buds. We not only have an everyday collection in our cases but also many chocolate bars, brittle’s, chocolate covered almonds, macadamia, nuts, etc.
We make logo chocolates for businesses, or private individuals, which is something we have pretty much cornered in this area. This is very fun for us and for the client, which keeps us extremely busy, especially for the holidays. Everyone is eager to send their clients a thank you with their company or private stamp of some sort. What better way than a fine chocolate, your shape, your chosen flavor to send your gratitude to a favorite client.
We are very proud that our clients know what they can expect from us. 100% quality made with love. That our repeat sales and referrals from existing clients turn into friends, with a fine chocolate appetite.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I do believe your city is a good place to start a business like ours. We have been approached many times with this subject. I do not know your city well enough to know what the downfall would be and how to correct it. There are many people in your city. Someone who knows what they want, good in business choices and an excellent product is an excellent start.
Pricing:
- 6 piece box $14.25
- 12 piece box $26.50
- 24 piece box $52.00
- 36 piece box $90.00
- Gift baskets from $126.00 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: 1st location and manufacturing site: 4193 Carpinteria Avenue, Suite # 4, Carpinteria CA 93013
2nd location: 1100 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 - Website: www.chococalibressan.com
- Phone: 805-684-6900
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmichelcarre/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chocolats.ducalibressan
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBfAVqwXdXk
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