Cocoa Dolce Chocolates

Imagine a place where the air is filled with the aroma of fresh cocoa and vanilla — welcome to Cocoa Dolce. This is not just a confectionery, but a world-renowned artisan chocolate workshop and a stylish Sweet Lounge located in the heart of Wichita, USA. The venue occupies a historic building of the former Coleman factory, blending industrial aesthetics with the sophistication of haute cuisine.

Since its founding in 2005, the company has focused on exceptional quality and an artistic approach. Today, about 95% of all products here are made by hand. Visitors appreciate this spot for the chance to not only taste unique sweets but also to witness the art of their creation, which is elevated to a cult status here.

The main feature of Cocoa Dolce is the transparency of the process. Through huge panoramic windows in the modern Sweet Lounge, guests can watch the chocolatiers at work. You will see the birth of masterpieces that will later grace the displays of the finest sweet boutiques.

For more details about the availability of specific desserts or to book a place for a special occasion, you can contact the management directly.

A visit to Cocoa Dolce is primarily a feast for the senses. The main highlight is a tasting of artisan chocolates. Be sure to try the signature champagne truffles, delicate Crème Brûlée bonbons, or exquisite sea salt caramels. For fans of French classics, there are always over a dozen types of colorful macarons with rich fillings available.

Beyond the sweets, the establishment offers a full drink menu. You can order a cup of signature mocha, prepared with the same premium chocolate used in the candies, or refresh yourself with homemade gelato. In the evening, the atmosphere changes: it’s a lovely place to spend time with a glass of wine or a signature cocktail, perfectly paired with your chosen dessert.

Don't forget to take a peek into the production kitchen area. Through the glass walls, you can spend hours watching the masters skillfully temper chocolate and decorate the pieces. If you're looking for a gift, you can order custom sets or even chocolate with a unique design, which makes for a wonderful souvenir from Kansas.

Finding Cocoa Dolce is easy, as it is located in the heart of the historic Old Town Entertainment District in downtown Wichita. The main headquarters and production site occupy part of the famous Coleman Factory building, which is an architectural landmark of the neighborhood.

The most convenient way to get here is by taxi or a rental car, as the Old Town area provides plenty of parking spaces. If you prefer public transport, use the city buses that stop within walking distance of St Francis Ave.

In addition to the central location, the company has two other retail points in different parts of the city: to the east in the Bradley Fair area and to the west in New Market Square. However, it is the visit to the downtown flagship that allows you to experience the brand's history and witness the chocolate production process firsthand.

The history of this sweet brand began in 2005 when Cocoa Dolce opened in Wichita as a small workshop. Over time, it evolved into a true symbol of quality, and in 2017, the company was acquired by the Voegeli family. Interestingly, the new owners came from the aerospace industry, bringing rigorous standards and an innovative approach to chocolate production.

A milestone event was the move in 2018 to the Coleman Factory building. This industrial site is over a hundred years old, and its transformation into a modern chocolate brand headquarters became an excellent example of urban revitalization. The interior design was developed by the firm Alloy Architecture, which successfully preserved the historic charm of the brick walls.

Today, Cocoa Dolce is a large-scale operation. Every week, about 10,000 chocolate pieces are handcrafted here. During holiday periods, such as before Christmas or Valentine's Day, production volumes quadruple to satisfy the demand of all the chocolate lovers in Kansas.

To fully soak in the atmosphere of this place, it is recommended to set aside 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely browse the displays, choose the most interesting types of chocolate, and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in the lounge area.

If you hope to catch the artisans at work, it’s worth staying a bit longer by the viewing windows. Watching handmade chocolates being created is a meditative and very fascinating process, especially for families with children.

The venue warmly welcomes guests throughout the week, offering everything from early breakfasts with fragrant coffee to cozy evening gatherings.

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday — from 07:00 to 20:00; Friday — from 07:00 to 22:00; on Saturday, doors are open from 08:00 to 22:00, and on Sunday — from 12:00 to 20:00. Before your visit, we recommend checking the official website, as opening hours may change on holidays.

After visiting the chocolate workshop, it's worth taking some time to stroll around the neighborhood. Downtown offers many interesting locations, from historical sites to modern recreation areas, which will complement your trip.