How, when, and why did you start your business?

In 2021 we opened The Chocolate Shop on South 3rd Avenue with the idea of creating a place where people could enjoy high-quality chocolate and delicious sweets in a welcoming environment. In February of 2024, after receiving a lot of requests from our customers for a space where they could enjoy coffee, espresso, and hot chocolate drinks while relaxing with friends and family, we decided to take things to the next level and opened The Chocolate Café. We found that our loyal customers were craving a cozy spot to sit, sip, and socialize, so we began looking for a larger space. When the opportunity arose to move to downtown Wausau, we knew it was the perfect location to expand and fulfill that demand. The location is right across from the new Foundry on 3rd, which is adding energy and foot traffic to the area. It felt like the ideal time to grow!

What makes your business unique?

What sets us apart is our European-inspired atmosphere, offering an authentic café experience right in the heart of Wausau. From our locally-roasted Condor coffee and hand-crafted croissants from Bealightful Bakery in Mosinee, to our imported European chocolates and decadent hot chocolate drinks, we’re all about quality and variety. Our gelato (Sara’s Gelato in Green Bay) is made with the finest ingredients, and every dish or drink served has that special touch of craftsmanship. In addition, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment, where our friendly staff goes out of their way to make every visit memorable. Whether it’s a quick coffee run “to go” or a relaxing afternoon with friends, we strive to offer a bit of European charm right here in Wausau.

What product/service is your most popular, or what you are known for?

We’re best known for our signature hot chocolate drinks—specifically our rich, European drinking chocolates, which are made with premium ingredients for a truly indulgent experience. Our Cocoa Lattes (hot chocolate with espresso), Italian Affogatos and our Chocolate Fondue are also customer favorites. But whether you're coming in for one of our delicious pastries or a classic cappuccino, we’re all about making every visit feel special. Our goal is to deliver that “wow” factor every time!

Why did you locate your business in the Wausau River District?

The River District has seen significant growth and development in recent years, and when we saw the new apartment complex being built, we knew it would be a great location. The area is bustling with new businesses and an influx of people, which gives us the chance to be part of that excitement. Plus, downtown Wausau’s walkable charm and vibrant community made it an ideal spot for what we wanted to create—a cozy, community-centered café where everyone feels welcome.

What motivates you as a business owner?

Our customers are truly the heart of our business. When they come in, whether it’s their first time or their hundredth, and leave with a smile, that’s what keeps us going. Hearing compliments, receiving positive feedback, and seeing people return time and time again gives us the drive to do even better. It’s not just about the chocolate or the coffee—it’s about creating an experience that brings joy to our guests. That’s what motivates us to keep improving and growing.

How do you measure/define success?

Success, for us, isn’t just about sales—though of course, that’s important! It's about the connections we make with our customers and the community. If we’re able to make people feel welcomed, appreciated, and like they’re part of something special every time they visit, that’s success. We define success as creating a lasting impact on our guests, providing excellent service, and consistently offering high-quality products that keep people coming back.

How do you generate new ideas?

We’re always listening to our customers. Many of our best ideas come from their suggestions and feedback. We also keep an eye on trends in the café and food scene—particularly in Europe (The Netherlands) — so we can bring a little of that innovation to Wausau. Paul & Kristin have lived in the Netherlands for over seven years, Paul is Dutch and many of the ideas were imported! It’s also important to us that we stay fresh, so we’re constantly brainstorming new ways to improve our menu and the overall experience. Whether it’s introducing a new seasonal drink or finding a new local supplier, we’re always thinking of ways to surprise and delight our customers.

Talk about your staff.

Our team is everything to us. We have a passionate, friendly, and dedicated staff that truly cares about providing great service. Each person brings something special to the table, from our baristas who create beautiful lattes and cappuccinos, to our bakers who make fresh pastries every day. What really sets our staff apart is their genuine enthusiasm—they’re not just employees, also daughters and family members, and everyone is a big part of our café family. We really believe in creating a positive and fun work environment, and that energy carries over into how we serve our customers.

What excites you most about the future of downtown Wausau?

There’s so much growth happening in downtown Wausau, and it’s exciting to be a part of that momentum. New developments like Foundry on 3rd and the retailers make the future bright for the River District. We’re looking forward to seeing even more people discover our little corner of Wausau and watching the downtown area evolve into an even more vibrant and lively hub. It’s exciting to think about all the new opportunities to connect with the community, share our love for great food, chocolates, and drinks, and keep making our café a place people love to gather.