PAANO NAGSIMULA ANG CHOCOLATE LOVER INC. | Bakit Nagsara Na?

Summary

Chocolate Lover Inc., a beloved baking supply store in Cubao, Quezon City, is closing after almost four decades of success. Founded by Chef Annie Carmona Lim, the store grew from a small apartment business to a famous landmark, the 'Chocolate Castle,' inspiring countless baking enthusiasts. Despite overcoming personal challenges, Chef Annie's decision to close the store was driven by her children's reluctance to inherit the business and her desire to spend more time with family. The closure, scheduled for December 27, 2025, marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy cherished by many.

Takeaways

• 😀 Chef Annie Carmona Lim, also known as 'Chocolate Queen', founded Chocolate Lover Inc. in 1989, after transitioning from a bakeshop business.
• 😀 The Chocolate Lover store was originally a small apartment in Cubao, where Chef Annie sold baking supplies imported from America.
• 😀 Chocolate Lover Inc. grew quickly and became so successful that customers began queuing outside the small apartment, leading to the construction of the iconic 'Chocolate Castle' building in Cubao.
• 😀 The Chocolate Castle, located at P. Tuazon and C. Benitez, became a popular landmark in Cubao, designed to resemble a fairy tale castle and symbolizing the store's success.
• 😀 Chef Annie took a big financial risk by acquiring a loan from Landbank to build the Chocolate Castle, which was built on land she inherited from her parents.
• 😀 In 1994, Chocolate Lover was officially incorporated as 'Chocolate Lover Inc.' and Chef Annie expanded the business, offering not only baking supplies but also chocolates and other confectionery products.
• 😀 Chef Annie's success with Chocolate Lover led her to open 'The Castle of Baking and Confectionary Arts' in 1995, a culinary school located inside the Chocolate Castle.
• 😀 In addition to running Chocolate Lover, Chef Annie authored cookbooks, produced home videos, and hosted a TV cooking show, gaining recognition as a culinary figure.
• 😀 After nearly four decades of operation, Chef Annie announced that Chocolate Lover Inc. will close after Christmas 2025 due to her children not wanting to inherit the business and her own desire to focus on her family.
• 😀 Despite offers from potential buyers to continue Chocolate Lover, Chef Annie is determined to close the store, marking the end of a beloved institution for baking enthusiasts in the Philippines.

Q & A

What is the significance of the building Chocolate Lover Inc. is housed in?

Chocolate Lover Inc. is located in a castle-like building, often referred to as the 'Chocolate Castle,' in Cubao, Quezon City. The building, which was designed by Chef Annie, became a popular landmark and symbol of the business's success. The unique design drew attention and made it a memorable spot for customers, symbolizing the fairy-tale-like success of the store.

What inspired Chef Annie to start Chocolate Lover Inc.?

Chef Annie's inspiration for starting Chocolate Lover Inc. stemmed from her interest in business and baking. After facing challenges in her previous ventures, such as a dress shop that wasn't profitable, she decided to pivot into the baking supplies industry, which had fewer competitors at the time. Her move was also motivated by a desire to focus on something she was passionate about—baking.

How did Chef Annie fund the construction of the Chocolate Castle?

To fund the construction of the Chocolate Castle, Chef Annie took a loan from Landbank. One of her loyal customers, who was the manager of the bank, encouraged her to apply for the loan. However, to qualify for the loan, she had to incorporate her business, which led to the formation of Chocolate Lover Inc. in 1994.

Why did Chef Annie choose to build a castle for the store?

Chef Annie decided to build a castle for Chocolate Lover Inc. because of the store's fairy-tale-like success. She wanted the design of the building to reflect the whimsical growth of the business. The castle became a symbol of her creativity and vision, making it a unique and inspiring place for both customers and employees.

What challenges did Chef Annie face during the early years of Chocolate Lover Inc.?

In the early years, Chef Annie faced the challenge of limited competition in the baking supplies market. While this presented an opportunity, it also required her to take significant risks, including incurring a substantial amount of debt to build the Chocolate Castle. Additionally, the business's rapid success meant dealing with large crowds and logistical issues, especially when customers started queuing outside her small apartment.

What was the impact of the closure of Chocolate Lover Inc. on its loyal customers?

The closure of Chocolate Lover Inc. deeply saddened its loyal customers, many of whom shared their memories and experiences in the comments section of Chef Annie's Facebook post. For over 36 years, the store had been a trusted source for baking supplies and chocolates, and it had become an integral part of many people's baking journeys. Customers expressed gratitude and sorrow over the store's closure, as it marked the end of an era.

What led to the decision to close Chocolate Lover Inc. after nearly four decades in business?

Chef Annie decided to close Chocolate Lover Inc. because her children, who were already successful abroad, did not want to inherit the business. Chef Annie also shared that, due to her age and difficulty in traveling, she preferred to focus on spending time with her grandchildren. Despite receiving offers from people interested in continuing the business, she chose to close it and pass on the legacy.

What other ventures did Chef Annie pursue alongside running Chocolate Lover Inc.?

Alongside running Chocolate Lover Inc., Chef Annie expanded her reach by opening the Castle of Baking and Confectionary Arts in 1995, a culinary school located inside the Chocolate Castle. She also started a packaging business called Boxination, aimed at helping bakers with product packaging. Chef Annie further contributed to the baking community by publishing cookbooks, creating cooking videos, and even hosting a TV show.

How did Chef Annie contribute to the baking community beyond her store?

Chef Annie's contributions to the baking community extended beyond her store. She opened a culinary school, the Castle of Baking and Confectionary Arts, to teach others the skills she had learned. She also published cookbooks, produced instructional cooking videos, and became a TV host for a cooking show. Her passion for baking and sharing her knowledge helped inspire many aspiring bakers.

Why is the closure of Chocolate Lover Inc. considered a significant event in the baking community?

The closure of Chocolate Lover Inc. is considered a significant event because it marks the end of a beloved institution that has served the baking community for over 36 years. The store was not only a source of quality baking supplies but also a symbol of entrepreneurial success and creativity. The Chocolate Castle, as a landmark, will be missed by both long-time customers and future generations of baking enthusiasts.