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Why did you make the move to Vermont?
Sue: We started researching business opportunities – and we found the The Chocolate Barn.
Tom: We fell in love with southern Vermont ever since we honeymooned here over 25 years ago. So it seemed only natural that we’d set roots down here
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Did you know anything about making chocolate before you bought The Chocolate Barn?
Sue: I had hands-on training in the art of chocolate making early on in the 80’s at Premise in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania.
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How about your background Tom? Was it useful?
Tom: I used to work as a chemist for several large companies, even though I majored in biology and minored in chemistry at Misericordia College in Pennsylvania. And who knew that my chemistry background would come in so handy when we started making ice cream here!
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Which is more popular, the chocolates or the ice cream?
Sue: Chocolate will always be our main attraction, but we do have a lot of die-hard ice cream fans, too. Plus there’s our Gift Shop, featuring handcrafted and seasonal items from local artisans.
Tom: Is it any wonder we love what we do?
Chocolate Heaven in a Barn
The Chocolate Barn started life in 1842 as another type of barn – it originally housed sheep. Part of the largest sheep farm in Vermont at the time, and known as Bottum Farm for the family who owned it, the barn retains its old mortise-and-tenon structure and original roof.
The Chocolate Barn itself opened its doors in 1976, and since 2010, it has grown into a thriving business by husband-and-wife team Sue Balutis and Tom Huncharek. Sue and Tom bought the place from original owner Lucinda Gregory, along with her famous fudge recipes and 2000 chocolate molds. As their business grew they added thier homemade ice cream to the offerings.
On any given day, you’re likely to find locals looking for heavenly chocolate or ice cream treats, as well as visitors from around the Northeast – and as far away as Japan, Germany and Italy! For years loyal customers have been savoring our hand-dipped chocolates, decadent homemade fudge and chocolate made in our vintage molds.
We love that some have even sent us letters telling us just how much they love our chocolates and homemade ice cream.
We look forward to indulging your passion for chocolate and ice cream!