Chocolate lovers have a new destination in town with the opening of The Chocolate Lady Fine Confections, a handcrafted chocolate shop located at 316 E. Cedar St.
The family-owned business opened during the second week of June after relocating to Warren in September 2025 in search of a fresh start and the opportunity to build both a home and a business in a small-town community.
Drawing on years of experience creating gourmet chocolates, the chocolatier has transformed a longtime passion into a local business specializing in handcrafted truffles, bonbons, nut clusters, caramels and a variety of other chocolate confections.
Among the shop’s most popular offerings are its wedding cake and lemon soufflé-flavored chocolates, according to the owner.
Each batch of chocolates is made by hand and typically takes between 90 minutes and two hours to complete. The process begins with premium Belgian chocolate, sourced from longtime suppliers the owner worked with while living in Minnesota, which is carefully tempered before being poured into molds. Once the chocolate shells are formed, they are filled with handmade centers created using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible before being sealed. The shop also incorporates dark chocolate sourced from South America into some of its confections.
The owner said a love of cooking and baking began by watching her mother prepare meals and desserts from scratch, a tradition that has now been passed down to the next generation. Today, the chocolatier’s daughter helps create the handcrafted sweets alongside other family members.
Looking ahead, the family plans to continue expanding its expertise by sending both its son and daughter to the Callebaut Chocolate Academy in Chicago within the next year for additional professional training.
The owner said handcrafted chocolates differ from mass-produced candy because they are made in small batches by a three-person team, allowing for greater quality control while keeping products fresh and prices affordable.
The business also emphasizes the use of local ingredients whenever possible. Almonds are purchased from a vendor in Little Rock, while many of the jams and jellies used in cream fillings are sourced locally.
Although the current menu features a wide selection of chocolates, customers can expect additional offerings in the future. The shop is considering introducing a monthly specialty flavor and plans to offer seasonal gift baskets for holidays and special occasions. Back-to-school gift baskets are expected to be available in the coming weeks. Customers are also encouraged to share ideas through a suggestion box available inside the store.
Since opening, community support has continued to grow.
The owner said excitement on social media has helped increase business, and the shop has already created custom chocolates for several weddings and other special events. Products are also available locally at Gannaway Drug Store.
The most rewarding part of opening the business, the owner said, has been seeing customers’ reactions.
“Chocolate makes people happy,” the owner said. “We want to offer something affordable that everyone can try. We love bringing people joy.”
The owner hopes customers leave with more than just a sweet treat.
“We want our customers to be able to slow down, relax and enjoy a few minutes of their day,” the owner said.
The Chocolate Lady Fine Confections is currently open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Orders may be placed at any time by phone or through the business’s social media pages, and delivery is available.
