For more than fourteen years, Escazú Chocolates has been a beloved staple in Raleigh, known for its hand-crafted chocolates and inventive desserts made with locally sourced and ethically traded ingredients. Like many small businesses, Escazú faced mounting challenges during and after the pandemic, from rising labor costs to sharp increases in the price of quality ingredients.
With support from Carolina Community Impact, Escazú secured a $189,200 Community Advantage loan to strengthen their operations and continue serving their loyal customers. The funding provided the stability they needed to retain their dedicated team, maintain production through difficult months, and plan for a brighter future.
Now, that future is taking shape. After 14 years in their current space, Escazú is relocating to a new, larger location, adding 700 square feet to expand their ice cream offerings, enhance the customer experience, and build more sustainable, year-round revenue. The loan helps fund leasehold improvements and essential new equipment, including a dipping cabinet to support their growing menu.
This expansion isn’t just about growth, it’s about resilience, creativity, and commitment to the Raleigh community. With Carolina Community Impact’s support, Escazú Chocolates is continuing its mission to craft small-batch sweets that bring joy to every season while creating lasting local jobs and economic vitality.
