COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: MEET VIDERI CHOCOLATE FACTORY

SEVEN MINUTES TO THE DUKES AT CITY VIEW

You’ve probably heard of “B2B” in some context, but we can guarantee it’s never been this sweet before. The incredible team at Videri is dedicated to its B2B process - Bean 2 Bar that is. The only thing sweeter than living a ten-minute walk from an honest-to-god chocolate factory? Living that close to Videri Chocolate Factory.

Outside Videri in Downtown Raleigh

In 2011 when Videri first opened its doors, it was one of a handful of chocolate factories in the country that were considered bean-to-bar roasters. This is regarded as a rarity, as most chocolate companies would be open to using premade chocolate. But bean-to-bar roasters like the incredible Videri team, source cacao beans, roast them, and turn them into chocolate before transforming them again into decadent bars and mouth-watering confections. The difference?

According to the Videri team, it boils down to intentionality and integrity.

Sinfully delicious Bonbons from Videri.

Eating Videri chocolate is more than just a treat - it’s an experience. Its signature taste is only possible thanks to professionals dedicated to crafting and curating rich, bold and flavorful chocolate out of quality, sustainable ingredients.

They put it best themselves when they said, “Good ethics almost never taste this delicious,” but honestly? We’d take it a step further and say good ethics have never tasted this sinful because Videri’s flavors are candidly criminal.

Every trip means discovering a new favorite. As soon as you walk in, you are surrounded by the warm and inviting smell of chocolate. It’s a familiar smell, frequently coloring our sweetest memories, and Videri manages to capture it and give it back like a present - red bow and all.

You’re immediately tempted by a large glass display case showcasing chocolate bars, seasonal bonbons, caramels, and a variety of sweets. Walking past, you are met with shelves full of baking chocolates, hot chocolate mix, cocoa nibs and tea, alongside a range of other local products. Plan on spending a lot of time at the display case, because you are in for one difficult decision. With mouth-watering concoctions including but not limited to salted caramel, coffee, spicy cinnamon, and award-winning lavender and black peppercorn bonbons - your options are endless.

“THEY SOMEHOW TASTE EVEN BETTER THAN THEY LOOK, AND THAT’S REALLY SAYING SOMETHING CONSIDERING THESE CHOCOLATES LOOK LIKE THEY BELONG IN THE ART MUSEUM DOWN THE STREET.”

Bean-To-Bar is the best kind of chocolate treat at Videri.

They somehow taste even better than they look, and that’s really saying something considering these chocolates look like they belong in the CAM down the street. With vibrant colors and precise line work, each bonbon has its own eye-catching exterior to complement the silky center.

One of Videri’s most vibrant chocolates is its incredible Lavender Black Pepper Caramel previous, Good Food Award Winner, and one of the best-sellers. This deceptively small square packs a punch of flavor thanks to the incredible combination that is caramel, organic lavender, and expertly infused cream with NC honey. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, you can’t go wrong with Dark Chocolate Ganache. This is a chocolate lover’s dream wrapped in one of the most satisfying bites ever taken.

The best part? Videri is constantly cycling through new flavors so there is always something pretty sweet to look forward to each coming season (no pun intended). For example, if you stop in now you could enjoy the seasonal favorite, Sesame Truffle. A sweet treat that completely blows any preconceived notions of vegan desserts you may have out of the water. Looking for something a little more daring? Try the spicy cinnamon ganache; it expertly marries milk chocolate with jalapeno-infused cream + cinnamon and is topped with bold teal accents.

You’re going to need something to pair with your chocolate. So head over to the coffee lounge where you can indulge with something sweet and freshly made for sipping on. Here you’ll be introduced to your new favorite coffee bar - Black and White Coffee. Initially located in Wake Forest, NC - Black and White Coffee at Videri is the second location of the wildly popular franchise that focuses on great coffee that consistently delivers.

Spend the day relaxing in the light-filled coffee lounge, or chilling on the vibrant, large outdoor patio. As if choosing where to sit is hard - now you have to decide what to get. One option is the legendary hot chocolate. It comes with a price, though, as it genuinely sets your standard higher for all future hot cocoa experiences (we’re looking at you here, Swiss Miss). Or check out the renowned mocha served either hot or iced making it the perfect drink for any occasion.

Add this stop to your next trip Downtown, or plan a trip Downtown entirely around coming to Videri! You’re not just walking out with a new obsession with Bean 2 Bar chocolate - but with the experience of visiting a full-blown Chocolate factory. You can even sign up for guided tours of the facility to see how the bar in your hand was made. Willy Wonka has got nothing on Sam Rotta and the Videri Team and this stop is a must-visit. 

Life is too short to settle for average chocolate. A Hershey bar every now and again is fine - but between you and us, let’s be honest we know you deserve better. Videri Chocolate is better.

Expertly crafted cup of joe from Black and White Coffee.

Videri Watercolor Postcard and Sea Salt Bar? Gift-worthy Combo.