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Manitoulin Chocolate Works is family owned and run artisan chocolatier kitchen and chocolate retail store operating in Kagawong, Ontario, a small village in the heart of Manitoulin Island, just off the trails of the Bridal Veil Falls. All of our chocolates are made from the highest quality ingredients - locally sourced when possible - in small batches in our kitchen.

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From an old building, to a small shop, to an artisan chocolate factory in ten years. In the fall of 1995, with no specific plans in mind, Lousie and Keith McKeen purchased the historic building that would soon become an island staple. It began a 10 year labour of love converting  a 105 year old building into a chocolate manufacturing company. In 1998 Manitoulin Chocolate Works opened it's doors delivering a unique combination of delicious handmade chocolates, confections, fresh roasted coffee and a delicious variety of sweet and savoury, gourmet items from around the country, and the world.

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Louise's passion for hand-made chocolate naturally inspired her two daughters to join the team. Heather and Brenda grew up with the family business. Following their post secondary education they have contributed their skills in production, marketing, management and public relations to help Louise transform her family’s passion into a way of life, and are fortunate to be celebrating over 20 years of business! 

 

With the want for expansion and the love for the Ottawa Valley, we chose the ‘Prettiest Town in Ontario’ for our second location. Perth opened its doors to the McKeen family and it automatically felt like a home away from home. To learn more about our second location click here.

 

Our retail store carries a variety of goods that change daily, weekly and seasonally Aside from the artisan chocolates and confections that adorn our shelves, you can find rotating baked goods like brownies, macarons, cupcakes and more, to enjoy with coffee, tea or an espresso. Depending on the season you can choose from a selection of cold and frozen drinks or our famous original-recipe hot chocolate. You can also find a selection of sweet treats and products that cater to dietary needs and preferences.

 

We take pride in our family traditions and heritage, so our store is stocked with products you would find on our shelves at home. Jams, jellies, preserves, maple butters, shortbread, garlic spices and rubs, traditional travelling mints, pepper jellies, meat rubs, wafer cookies, puddings, specialty teas, just to name a few! gummies, to .

 

Our passion is chocolate! It brings us joy, whether it is enjoyed as a self-indulgence or given as a gift. Our team wants you to get a taste of what chocolate and genuinely tasty treats mean to us! So from our family to yours, we hope you enjoy your Chocolate Works experience.

 

RECIPE 

FOR

SUCCESS

OUR STORY

A FAMILY PASSION FOR CHOCOLATE.

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Over Twenty Years of

CHOCOLATE

EXPERIENCE

HEATHER MCKEEN

Heather has been involved with both the retail and production sides of the business for several years. After completing a degree in Business Management at the University of Ottawa, she returned to Manitoulin Chocolate Works and expanded the business by running the Perth Chocolate Works location.

 

Heather has earned two professional level certificates in chocolate from the French Pastry School in Chicago. She thoroughly enjoys working with chocolate and the opportunity to create new indulgences for chocolate lovers.

BRENDA MCKEEN

Brenda has grown-up in the business and has experience in both retail and production. She graduated from Algonquin College with a Business and Marketing Diploma. Brenda returned to the business after graduation and travels between both locations. 

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Brenda is who you will see through our viewing windows, anywhere from 10AM until 2AM. This chocolatier is constantly working to keep all your chocolate cravings satisfied. She enjoys helping customers discover new items in the store and specializes in making toffees and caramel popcorn.

LOUISE MCKEEN

Started the business in 1998 and has been expanding her knowledge in chocolate ever since.

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Her education in the candy making industry includes private lessons with the head pastry chef of Lac-Leamy du Casino in Gatineau, Quebec, a Professional Chocolatier Certificate from Ecole Chocolat and a professional level certificate from the French Pastry School in Chicago.

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Louise has run the Manitoulin Chocolate Works location for over twenty years.

KEITH MCKEEN

Keith has an established graphics print business called SEC Graphics located on the same property as Manitoulin Chocolate Works.

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He designs and prints Manitoulin Chocolate Works and Perth Chocolate Works product labels, assists in the advertising department, and helps with production and maintenance.

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