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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Sweets await at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Owner Rachelle Blackmer shows off some of the signature Caramel Apples that are made and sold at Rocky Moutain Chocolate Factory at 506 N. Sullivan Road in Veradale. (J. BART RAYNIAK / The Spokesman-Review)
Juli Wasson
Owner Rachelle Blackmer shows off some of the signature Caramel Apples that are made and sold at Rocky Moutain Chocolate Factory at 506 N. Sullivan Road in Veradale. (J. BART RAYNIAK / The Spokesman-Review)

Attention, sweet-tooths and chocoholics: A Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has opened in Spokane Valley.

Customers to the store along North Sullivan Road will be greeted near the entrance by the grand display case of some 200 mouth watering caramel apples in about 20 varieties oozing with personality. Then there’s the tempting and vast array of bulk chocolates and fudges stretched alongside one wall in cases; the other side is lined with such items as boxed chocolates and packaged treats. Still, at the back of the store customers will find ice cream and a full menu of frozen options.

“Fine chocolate is a lot like fine jewelry,” says Rachelle Blackmer, who worked as a jeweler for nine years in Seattle and Spokane before opening her Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory franchise Nov. 7 along with husband Aaron and in-laws Bruce and Candice Blackmer.

Rachelle and Aaron Blackmer met in high school and relocated following their 1997 graduation from University High School. They opted to return to Spokane Valley in 2003.

The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, based in Durango, Colo., is an international franchiser of gourmet chocolate and confection stores that began in 1981. It is known for its premium chocolates and confections in signature generous portions. The company uses a special blend of intensely flavored chocolate from the Guittard Chocolate Co.

The Blackmers were confident to open their store in the Valley because no other candy store in the area could compare, they say. Plus, it’s a fun place to work, Rachelle Blackmer says.

“I want customers to come in, sit and enjoy,” she says, noting people can bring in a coffee from the nearby coffee shop and have their chocolate or treat in the store.

Seating and tables, and a large-screen TV, are available in the 2,000-square-foot candy shop. Customers also can watch some of the chocolate items created and dipped. Blackmer and her five employees create some of the items, including the fudges and candied apples. Individual chocolates and packaged items are created at company headquarters.

Chocolate is priced per pound, at $19.95 for chocolates, fudges and barks; and $24.95 for chocolate-dipped fruits. Candied apples range from $3.95 to $6.95 per apple depending on the amount of toppings.

Are you opening a new business in the Spokane Valley? Is your business expanding, moving or remodeling? Are you wondering about that new store that has opened in your neighborhood? Send an e-mail to Juli Wasson atjuliwasson@gmail.com or contact us by fax at 927-2175 or by writing to Business Notebook, Valley Voice, 13208 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99216.