Carpinteria, Calif. - A longtime sweet staple in Carpinteria is turning the page this week.
After nearly two decades, the beloved shop Chocolats du Calibressan is entering a new chapter as master chocolatier Jean-Michel Carré retires and is handing the business over to a new generation determined to preserve its legacy.
For 18 years, the shop has been known for more than just handcrafted chocolates. Customers walking through the doors were greeted by the rich aroma of cocoa and by Carré and his wife, Jill Marie, whose passion helped build a loyal community.
“The moment was now,” Carré said. “It was a hard decision to take, but I have some medical issues that I need to take care of. The time was right.”
His departure marks a bittersweet moment.
“It’s bittersweet because we enjoy being part of the business and meeting all the customers,” he said. “We had some wonderful customers during all these 18 years.”
From the beginning, Carré says his mission was simple: make people happy.
“They usually leave with a big smile on their face,” he said.
Now, that mission is being carried forward by the Weigel family, new owners who say they knew the shop was special from their very first visit.
“We were pretty much sold as soon as we tried the chocolate and met him,” said Sarah Weigel. “We thought it was such a good opportunity to learn from him.”
For the past three months, the family has worked side-by-side with Carré, learning both the craft and the business behind it.
“We are transitioning to all operations,” Weigel said. “He’s shown us the ropes from chocolate making to the business side of everything.”
Sarah will now lead the shop, with support from her parents, who say she’s already thriving in her new role.
While new ownership often brings change, the Weigels say customers can expect the heart of the shop to remain the same.
“We aren’t looking to make any massive changes right away,” Weigel said. “He’s really developed these recipes and fine-tuned them over the years.”
Carré says he’s confident the shop is in good hands.
“They are passionate with the chocolate and want to learn,” he said. “I am teaching them all my secrets. The tradition is going to go on.”
As for what’s next, Carré and his wife are looking forward to slowing down after years of early mornings in the kitchen and spending more time traveling together.
“Thank you from the bottom of our heart,” he said. “Because without [our customers], we wouldn’t be here. Merci beaucoup… thank you so much.”
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