The North Market isn’t specifically designed as a business incubator, but it often serves that purpose, allowing food-based startup business to scale gradually. Pure Imagination Chocolatier is a prime example of exactly that model.
Daniel Cooper started his chocolate shop inside the North Market in 2000, producing artisan chocolates and truffles on site and selling them fresh daily. After four years he relocated his production space to Hilliard to allow for more retail space at the North Market.
Cooper just took another big step last week with the opening of his second Pure Imagination Chocolatier retail space at 1205 Grandview Avenue, which also houses his relocated and expanded production space.
“I’ve always loved Grandview and I’ve looked at this area for a location for several years,” said Cooper. “Everyone in this community supports community businesses.”
Since opening their doors on August 31st, Cooper said that they’ve been very well received. He said that most of their daily traffic begins with kids stopping in after school for treats and continues well into the evening as couples stop in for dates.
“We have a dipping station where we dip fresh strawberries and will soon be dipping bacon,” said Cooper. “We also offer 14 flavors of gelato and will feature seasonal flavors as well.”
Of course, the central focus is on chocolate, which Pure Imagination features in droves. From Blood Orange Mimosa Truffles to Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters to White Chocolate Dipped Oreos, there’s something to be found for just about every preference.
Pure Imagination Grandview is open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 8pm and Sunday 12pm to 7pm.
More information can be found online at www.pureimaginationchocolatier.com.