The Secret Chocolatier announced today that it will be closing its Ballantyne store and consolidating back to one location – its flagship store in Cotswold. This is part of the chocolate shop’s strategic plan to expand its wholesale reach and trade show opportunities.

“While we are going to miss having a retail location in Ballantyne, we are excited to have our family back under one roof,” said Robin Ciordia, co-owner of The Secret Chocolatier. “This consolidation also enables us to go in a different direction and to streamline our business and production.”

The family-run business includes Ciordia’s parents, Chef Bill Dietz (aka “The Secret Chocolatier”) and Karen Dietz, husband Andy Ciordia, five-year-old son, Logan Ciordia, as well as other employees.

The Secret Chocolatier’s Ballantyne location (11318 N. Community House Road) was the chocolate shop’s second location, which it opened in fall 2013. The 1,400-foot space housed a prep kitchen, retail display area, indoor and outdoor seating, and a coffee lounge. The final day for the Ballantyne location will be Friday, April 28.

Adds Ciordia, “We appreciate the Ballantyne community for its support over the past three years. The good news is that we won’t be far away. In addition to our Cotswold store, we hope to be in area retailers in Ballantyne in the near future.”

In addition to its headquarter retail location (2935 Providence Road) at the corner of Sharon Amity and Providence Road in Charlotte, The Secret Chocolatier also sells its products at multiple retail locations and online at www.thesecretchocolatier.com.

About The Secret Chocolatier

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., The Secret Chocolatier began operations in 2008, selling hand-made confections at regional farmers markets, sourced from natural ingredients. Today, the award-winning, family-owned chocolate shop is located in Cotswold. The Secret Chocolatier also offers wholesale programs, which allows shoppers to get their chocolate fix at area Harris-Teeter, Whole Foods Market in Charlotte, and other specialty grocery stores, wine and coffee shops, gift shops and boutiques. For more information, visit www.thesecretchocolatier.com.