CINCINNATI, OH — Maverick Chocolate Company, one of Cincinnati’s favorite sweet spots, is expanding across the river.

Inside Maverick Chocolate Company the steady hum of machines mixing fills the air. However, before chocolate becomes the treat we all know and love, co-owner and chief chocolate maker Paul Picton says it begins with the roasting of cocoa beans.

“These beans have a little shell on the outside of them that is good for protecting the bean while it’s through its process,” Picton said. “As part of making the chocolate, we will actually crack all of those shells off to reveal the inner part of the cocoa bean.”

The next step is essential: mixing the chocolate for a 100 hours to achieve the smooth and rich texture. “This is day one of four, so it’s still quite gritty,” Picton noted, showing a glimpse of the early process.

But how did the family’s chocolate-making journey begin? According to Picton, he spent years traveling, and always returned home with something special.

Picton shared, “I worked in the airline industry and everywhere that we would go, I would go and get chocolate.”

When his travels slowed, and so did their chocolate supply. That’s when he and his wife thought about opening the factory. Nearly 11 years later, they’re expanding into northern Kentucky.

“It was always important to have a Kentucky store for our operation,” said Picton. “We really like what’s happening in Covington. They’ve put a lot of effort into making it very small business-friendly.”

As the company grows, Picton hopes customers will continue to cherish the chocolate as much as his family does. “We want them to have a unique flavor experience and enjoy high-quality chocolate they can savor and share with their family and friends.”

With the expansion, Maverick Chocolate hopes to spread that sweet experience even further. 

The Covington store is expected to open just in time for Thanksgiving, while the factory will follow next spring.