The Cocoa Tree, Nashville - Ask a Shopkeeper

by Chris Dudley, Posted Apr 14th 2010 @ 1:00PM

Bethany Thouin came to Nashville for the music, but stayed for the chocolate. Tired of struggling as a songwriter, the self-taught chocolatier -- she says she went to pastry school at Google University -- decided to dive headfirst into the world of confectionery arts. The mother of five opened her shop, The Cocoa Tree, in Nashville's historic Germantown district, and at first struggled to balance family and food, business and the home front. Seven years later, she's obviously got the hang of it; she's a burgeoning culinary celebrity with the awards, press clippings, television appearances, celebrity clientele and her own book to prove it.

Read on about Bethany's sweet life at the The Cocoa Tree after the jump.

"Making the transition from songwriting to chocolatiering wasn't as difficult as you might think. They're both crafts. I see it as an artist switching from one medium to another. The goal is the same: tell a good story.

Our most popular items are definitely our truffles. We get all kinds of customers coming in looking for something special, like one of my personal favorites, our Balsamic Raspberry Truffle. For spring -- Derby season -- we're working on a Mint Julep Truffle made with Kentucky bourbon. I obviously like to use southern ingredients and events for inspiration.

I spend most of my day figuring out ways we can go faster. We're growing at an alarming pace; Our wholesale business is really taking off. We have a new deal with Whole Foods, plus agreements with several local places like the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. These days, we seem to be doing half our business out the front door and half out the back through our internet sales and retail partners. We're always looking for new strategies and tools to help us become more efficient.

My favorite part of the job is interacting with the customers. I love seeing the looks on peoples' faces when they try something they like for the first time. Everyone who comes in gets a treat, no matter their station in life. Sometimes, celebrities do get a little special treatment though...

One day, actress Kimberly Williams (the wife of country music superstar Brad Paisley) came into the shop with her dog. We obviously have a 'No Dogs in the Chocolate Shop' rule, but after talking to her for a few minutes, I didn't have the heart to tell her the pooch wasn't welcome. I'm just glad the health inspector didn't show up!"

Filed Under: Trends, Interviews, Features
Tags: chocolate, chocolatier, cocoa tree, CocoaTree, nashville, truffles

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-18-2010 @6:36PM joan said... I like Kimberly Williams. However, these stars should follow what the rest of us must. Namely, no dogs permitted in stores which sell food. Stars are not above the rules and should comply. Store owners need "to have the heart to tell her no dogs allowed in the store". What's good for the goose is good for the gander! LOL!
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4-18-2010 @7:29PM Cathy from Green said... I wonder if KW had both of their children with her, as well. I guess it's a bit of a problem when you have the kids and dog with you, and there are no other adults to watch them while you
run in to a shop like this. Maybe there should be some kind of
easily recognizable sign that could be adopted for shop
owners to place on their storefronts to nicely relay the message of
"no pets allowed", similar to the "no smoking" signs. You know,
maybe a pink circle with a poodle in the center with a diagonal line
through it. Maybe there already is and I'm not aware of it. I
know this is common sense for most people, but common sense is
getting more and more rare these days.
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4-18-2010 @7:59PM dsn9 said... Why did this woman bring her dog into a place where food is being served.

I'm have heard the name Paisley, but not her. Very rude indeed.

Sing these words: Think of your fellow man.
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4-18-2010 @8:07PM Cathy from Green said... She's the sister on "According to Jim". Became famous after starring as Steve Martin's (his character) daughter in the two "Father of the Bride movies.