A Fountain Hills chocolate shop has been serving the local community with French-inspired chocolates and handcrafted desserts for more than two decades. Chocofin Chocolatier, located near Fountain Hills and Palisades Boulevard, has become a beloved fixture in the area since its founding in 2001.
Owners Louis and Denise Mirabella, both experienced pastry chefs, relocated to Arizona in 1993. They began by making chocolates and selling them to high-end resorts across the Valley. As demand grew, the couple decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship, leaving their day jobs to establish Chocofin Chocolatier.
“This is our livelihood… We get to do what we love to do,” Louis Mirabella shared.
The shop, though modest in size, offers a range of indulgent treats, from hand-crafted chocolates to rich pies and cakes. Chocofin Chocolatier’s chocolates are made fresh daily and come in an array of unique flavors, such as frisson lemon, hot chile, banana macadamia, rum coconut, salted whiskey caramel, and roasted raspberry, as well as sugar-free milk and dark chocolate truffles.
“We make everything from scratch here, so our customers are always assured of high-quality products,” said Denise Mirabella. “We specialize in individual chocolates and take pride in our unique recipes and the premium ingredients we use.”
In addition to their renowned chocolates, Chocofin also offers an extensive selection of cakes, including tiramisu, chocolate mousse cake, and a sugar-free flourless chocolate torte. Pies, such as mixed berry streusel and chocolate bourbon pecan, are available by the slice, alongside a variety of gelato flavors.
The shop is also known for creating custom wedding cakes, special event desserts, and personalized truffles, tailoring orders to meet individual preferences.
The Mirabellas draw inspiration from French chocolate-making traditions, which is reflected in the name “Chocofin.” Louis, who studied French confections, explained that “chocolats fins” means “fine chocolate” in French. He abbreviated the term as a nod to the authentic, high-quality chocolates they produce.
“Our customers often tell us that our chocolates offer a taste they haven’t experienced unless they’ve traveled in Europe,” Louis said. “We like to think that appreciation comes from the genuine quality and unique flavors we provide.”
Seasonal offerings are a highlight at Chocofin, with items like brandy pumpkin pies, pumpkin cheesecakes, and chocolate turkeys available for Thanksgiving. For Christmas, the shop will feature eggnog truffles, white chocolate Christmas figurines, and chocolate Santas.
Chocofin’s commitment to freshness is evident in its chocolates, which are crafted without the preservatives and excess sugars often found in mass-produced products. “We go the extra mile to make sure our chocolates taste exceptional,” Denise said.
Chocofin Chocolatier’s dedication to quality, creativity, and authentic French techniques has made it a local favorite, with customers returning for both everyday indulgences and special occasions.
Related topics:
