Already home to a growing stable of neighborhood favorites, Chelten Avenue recently welcomed another small business to the fold. Founded by Germantown resident and retired Philadelphia police officer Rita Butler,
Chocolates by Esonkee is a gourmet chocolate and cupcake company.
Butler began making her specialty chocolates in 2005, starting with her signature "naughty nibbles" for bachelor and bachelorette parties (sold in partnership with her daughter’s company
Riselng Events, LLC).
Over the next couple of years, the nibbles quickly became popular and demand for Butler's recipes increased.
"People started asking about her chocolates for other events," explains Risè Gravely, Butler's daughter and head baker at Chocolates by Esonkee. "She expanded to birthdays and celebratory occasions. Eventually, she became certified as a cake decorator and began offering those services as well."
In 2012, Butler successfully expanded the business to include themed cupcakes and mini cupcakes. About 6 months ago, Butler and Gravely decided it was time to put some permanence behind their business by opening a storefront.
"We scouted several locations along Chelten Avenue," says Gravely. "We wanted to be close to home and in a spot that fed off the high foot traffic along the corridor."
Eventually, the mother-daughter duo found their sweet spot, 245 Chelten Avenue -- a bus stop and several neighborhood institutions attract energy and customers. The bakery opened in early March. "It couldn't be a better location," says Gravely. "It’s just big enough and in the heart Germantown."
All goods at Chocolates by Esonkee are made with premium ingredients. Gluten and sugar-free sweets are available on request.
"So far, the response and support from the community has been really great," explains Gravely, adding that both she and her mother are particularly proud to add an African-American/women owned enterprise to Germantown’s local business arsenal.
Source: Risè Gravely, Riselng Events,LLC; Chocolates by Esonkee
Writer:
Greg Meckstroth