New Carrollwood Chocolate Shop Is Real Treat

Tish Lewis was a customer at Debbie's Chocolate Delight for several years before she ever thought about becoming an owner. But with an empty nest looming, the mother of five, saw an opportunity when Debbie posted a "for sale" sign in 2009.

At that time, Debbie's Chocolate was located on Busch Boulevard. Lewis, a stay-at-home mom, didn't have much experience in the chocolate business. So both ladies decided an apprenticeship would be a logical move first.

After two such apprenticeships and two business offers the women finally came to an agreement.

In March 2010, Lewis and a friend became the new owners of Debbie's Chocolate Delight. While their goods were sweet, the store's bottom line was anything but. The business duo struggled financially at their Busch Boulevard location.

"The business wasn't doing well, we both knew we needed to move," said Lewis, on a recent day at her new location at 11751 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Carrollwood.

And with a new location came a new name. The new store is called Tampa's Chocolate Delight.  

"Hands down the store is doing better," said Lewis, who after moving became the sole owner of the business.

Lewis, a Lutz resident, maintains she's not a chocolatier, which means she doesn't make her own chocolate. However, her product is "the closest thing to homemade you can find."

"My store is a novelty chocolate store," said Lewis, 59.

Inside Tampa's Chocolate Delight is like stepping into an oasis of confection. Chocolate staples like truffles can be found along with gourmet delights like potato chips dipped in chocolate and topped with sea salt. Lewis has more than 7,000 molds to make chocolate shaped like everything from a race car to a high heel.

The store does a lot of special events including baby showers, corporate meetings and weddings.

It's also a great place to pick up a gift. A customer on a recent day stopped in to buy handful of chocolates for her allergist.

It's no doubt this is a busy time for Lewis. In the past seven weeks, she moved her store location and went form a partnership to a sole ownership, she says.

Her hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but don't be surprised if you catch the store open later.

"As long as there are shoppers here, I stay open," Lewis said.

Well established businesses like Burger 21 and Carrollwood Florist have helped. 

"People go to those places and then come here and it's spontaneous buying, which includes repeat buying," Lewis said.

Beyond the chocolate, Lewis pours her all into customer service. She chats with her customers, tells stories about her family and is generous with advice.

"If you're going to give a gift, I believe something edible is the best bet," she said. "It's chocolate - nobody ever turns it away."

Tampa's Chocolate Delight is located at 11751 N. Dale Mabry Highway. For more information, call 813- 265-8900.