Gail Warner, owner of Bridge Street Chocolates, one of the newest additions to Downtown Phoenixville, insists on tasting everything she sells—an easy way to satisfy her sweet tooth and deliciously ensure everything packed in her petite spot is top-notch.
“Chocolate is good for your health,” said Warner, who reveals that confections rich in cocoa help lower blood pressure among other health benefits. “A small piece of quality chocolate can go a long way. No one should feel bad about walking into my store.”
With a welcoming passion for customer-service and a desire to premiere a place that will tout “little pleasures that do not cost a lot of money,” the local chocolate maker will open her mini chocolate factory in October, in the former Twisted Leaf location.
Inspired by the never-ending trends found in the marvelous marriage of cocoa and sugar, for over 20 years Warner has contemplated opening her own chocolate shop, focused on life’s only “necessary luxury.” Although it took the candy expert up until over two decades to embrace her chocolate-making entrepreneurship, it was Phoenixville that influenced the crafter to tackle such a career and Bridge Street that was in need of such a spot.
“Phoenixville is a great little place,” she said. “I love the history, the people and the small-town community—it is up and coming.”
Along with her own personal development in confection, Warner completed course work at the Chocolate Academy in Chicago, assisting her to now swirl a never-ending assortment of incredible confections to flood her space, accompanying various hand-selected candies she finds perfect to compliment her own creations.
From displays packed with phenomenal organic dark, milk and white chocolates, to dark chocolate-covered blueberries, chocolate-covered pretzels, white-covered macadamia nuts, and even, sea salted caramel found in varieties peppered with cinnamon and chile—one might slip into an instant sugar coma immediately crossing the threshold into Bridge Street Chocolates.
“We will be selecting special molds to create holiday chocolate figures like Santa, pumpkins, turkeys and bunnies,” she said, suggesting her sweets will be perfect as treats for the incoming holiday season.
Warner will additionally stock handmade truffles, and she reveals the whiskey concoction is “not what you think,” it’s like “gold in your mouth.” The chocolatier said she is even thinking about seasonally-appropriate blends, like pumpkin, caramel pecan and egg nog.
Of course, we couldn’t resist asking Warner the million dollar question—”why chocolates?” Her answer: “Why not? Whenever you see anyone with chocolate do they ever look sad?! Everyone should know that they are welcome in this happy place.”
Bridge Street Chocolates is located at 158 Bridge Street with operating hours on Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday, 11 am to mid-afternoon.
