Case Study: The Secret Chocolatier expands from farmers' markets to retail success with SCORE Mentors Berks and Schuylkill Cty

The Secret Chocolatier - Customer Case Study

The Secret Chocolatier, a Charlotte, North Carolina artisan chocolate business founded by Andy and Robin Ciordia and Bill and Karen Dietz, faced the challenge of turning early farmers’ market success into a sustainable retail operation. As the business grew, it needed guidance on business development, sales, customer growth, and handling unexpected setbacks such as weather-related revenue loss and building issues. SCORE Mentors Berks and Schuylkill Cty provided mentoring support during these formative years.

With help from SCORE Mentors Berks and Schuylkill Cty, the team refined its growth strategy, expanded its product lines, and strengthened efforts to attract and retain customers while building wholesale accounts. The support helped The Secret Chocolatier secure financing through an expansion loan, open its first retail chocolate shop, and later add a café as a second location. The business also recovered from a storm that had cut yearly revenue by 30 percent, showing the value of ongoing SCORE Mentors Berks and Schuylkill Cty guidance.

The Secret Chocolatier

Andy Ciordia

Owner