Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab is expanding its inventory, it will soon sell chocolate.
The local ice cream chain's corporate promotions manager, Molly Kasdan, said the chocolate factory shop will be in Nipomo.
She said the company is currently in the process of getting permits and approval for the facility, so it is holding off on announcing the address until then. If everything goes as planned, the shop should open on Nov. 1.
The factory will produce chocolate that will be sold at Doc Burnstein shops across the state, but eventually they want people to stop by, see how the chocolate is made and even buy some sweet treats.
The idea of selling chocolate has been in the works for about a year.
Kasdan said Doc Burnstein's wanted to have a product that is easy to ship and can be enjoyed during the winter season, when people might not crave ice cream as much. But, the idea of making chocolate really came to be when Gerald Reed, who made the chocolates at Gerald's Olde Tyme Chocolates, retired. Since he retired, Kasdan said Reed has been mentoring the company and giving them tips on how to make the best gourmet chocolate around.
So what types of chocolates will they be selling?
Kasdan said their 24 flavors will be a mix of traditional and gourmet chocolates and even some of the most popular ice cream flavors like Doc's Java, motor oil and mint fudge Oreo.
They will be selling a quarter pound, half pound and pound of chocolate. Kasdan said they are still finalizing the prices, but a pound of chocolate could cost $25.
As for why they choose Nipomo to open the factory, Kasdan said it is partially because of how close it is to its Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande locations and because the area is growing. She said the company is looking forward to employing people who live in Nipomo.
The announcement comes weeks after the company opened its first non-Central Coast ice cream shop in Chico on Sept. 28. Earlier this year, Doc Burnstein's announced its plan to expand across the stateand eventually become a nationwide ice cream brand.
Previous coverage:
Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab expanding to Northern California
Doc Burnstein’s looks to grow to 100 parlors
