This Bean To Bar Chocolate Shop Tour In Maine Is One Of A Kind
You’re in Maine. You want something quintessentially Maine. Lobster, right? Nope, not this time! While we certainly can’t deny that there are some foods that are totally Maine, there are lots of new foods and businesses redefining what Maine is all about. A great example of is this bean to bar chocolate shop sitting on the working waterfront in Rockland.
Bixby & Co. was founded Kate McAleer who has diplomas from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York and from Ecole Chocolate in Vancouver.
The name "Bixby" comes from her great- great grandparents, Lillian and William K. Bixby, who worked were devoted to family, the community and working towards the "American Dream." Today, Kate has worked to also support her local community, while also creating a thriving socially responsible chocolate business.
Her mother is a constant supporter and is deeply involved with Bixby & Co.as well. You may have seen the duo on local news channels and in local magazines!
Her key project has been working with the Audubon Society's Project Puffin to help develop three new Puffin chocolate confections made by Bixby. Five percent of the sales of Puffin chocolate confections will go to Project Puffin, who is working to restore and protect the Puffin in the State of Maine.
All products are created in a 125-year-old former ice plant on the working waterfront in Rockland, one of the most quintessentially "Maine" places in the state's Mid Coast region.
Each item is made using ethically sourced ingredients and many have certifications including being organic, non-GMO, kosher and gluten-free. Some also carry a Vegan Verification, Rainforest Alliance Certification, SQF Level II Certification, and certified Women Owned.
Bixby & Co. is located at 1 Sea Street Place, Rockland, Maine. They’re open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and they’re closed Sundays and Labor Day. For more information, check them out online and on Facebook. You can give them a call on (207) 691-2634.
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.