Welcome to Great Lakes Chocolate & Dessert Company!

We’re thrilled that you’ve stepped into our world of cacao. Allow us to introduce ourselves: we’re Dave & Shana Sicotte, the proud owners of Great Lakes Chocolate & Dessert Co. Our passion lies in creating exquisite bean-to-bar chocolate, deeply rooted in the heart of Traverse City, Michigan.

What Is “Craft” Chocolate?

Craft chocolate isn’t just a product; it’s an art form. It all begins with carefully selected organic cacao beans. These beans come from companies committed to direct trade practices, ensuring fair and sustainable sourcing. From there, we meticulously sort, roast, crack, winnow, and grind these precious beans into small, flavorful batches. The result? An array of indulgences—chocolate bars, hand-rolled truffles, and specialty desserts—all lovingly crafted by our hands.

The Culinary Duo

But who’s behind the chef coats? We met at The Culinary Institute of America, where our culinary paths converged. Dave, a Vermont native, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Baking & Pastry Arts Management. Meanwhile, Shana, hailing from Michigan, honed her skills in Culinary Arts. Even back then, we dreamed of owning a business that would blend our unique talents. Dave brought the pastry bags, and Shana wielded the knives.

A Journey to Traverse City

In 2010, we packed our bags and left upstate New York for Traverse City—a place rapidly blossoming into a haven for fresh, local food. Our family grew, and so did our aspirations. Our two adventurous daughters, Taylor & Natalie, have been our companions from the very beginning. We hope our commitment to chasing dreams inspires them to do the same.

The Craft Chocolate Experience

In 2018, fueled by our unwavering passion for chocolate, we embarked on a mission to share our sweet obsession with friends, family, and the Traverse City community. We poured our life savings into building a wholesale company that stands as a testament to our dedication.

But the story doesn’t end there. In August 2021, we unveiled our first retail chocolate shop—a haven where everyone could savor handcrafted desserts and indulge in the magic of cacao. The aroma of freshly made truffles and the velvety texture of our bars welcomed chocolate enthusiasts from near and far.

And now, brace yourselves for the next delightful chapter: a second location! In June 2024, our chocolate universe expands to Leland, Michigan, where we’ll open a charming café. Picture steaming cups of cocoa, culinary array of sandwiches and the irresistible allure of our small-batch chocolate delights. It’s a rendezvous with sweetness—a journey we invite you to join.

Not Your Average Chocolate

We’re not about mass production. Instead, we source single-origin, organic cacao beans from beautiful countries worldwide. Our commitment to bean-to-bar isn’t just a way—it’s the best way. So, explore our latest handcrafted offerings and join the craft chocolate movement with us!

Thank you for visiting and may your chocolate journey be as delightful as ours.

Dave & Shana Sicotte

Follow our life’s work on Facebook and Instagram