Autumn—“A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings,” as described in Pooh’s Grand Adventure—has settled in at The Chocolate Café in Wausau, Wisconsin. The season can be savored with the Cafe’s rich Belgian drinking chocolates, pumpkin spice lattes, brown sugar oatmilk macchiatos, and iced chai with toasted marshmallow or pumpkin cold foam. The friendly baristas who craft these beverages and Café co-owners Paul and Kristin Zaal have made this European-style bistro a warm, inviting space to celebrate all that Fall has to offer.

Located at 300 N. 3rd Street, open just 8 months and already an award-winner (voted Best New Store/New Service in 2024), the Zaals say, “The Chocolate Café offers customers a place to sit down, meet with friends, enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and locally-made pastries.” With its unique qualities and atmosphere, this gathering spot has come to be many things to its patrons: a welcoming retreat, a sweet experience, a delightful escape, and a memorable and inviting destination.

Knowing that all their chocolate is sourced from the Netherlands, Belgium, and France adds an irresistible allure to the menu items. Those who delight in fine, imported flavors are tempted, for instance, by Belgian Chocolate Cocoa Bombs, S’mores Cocoa Lattes, and Chocolate Crunch Cookies. Espresso drinks, teas, pastries, and gelato (made from an Italian recipe) provide even more options for every indulgent craving. Menu selections can also serve as the centerpiece for special occasions; for example, the Chocolate Fondue for 2 is an ideal choice for a date night.

When considering a location for The Chocolate Café, Paul ran into Compass Properties’ General Manager, Mark Craig, at an event in downtown Wausau. “We started talking,” explained Paul, “and Mark said, ‘I may have something that fits your needs.’” And he did. Kristin elaborated with, “Mark is amazing. We came to him with all of our ideas. We had them all down on paper with drawings and he made it happen.” It was a rather extensive renovation and Paul and Kristin said, “We could have never started our business here without the Compass Properties’ support.”

That support has extended far beyond the renovation. “Mark and Jason [Compass Properties’ Projects/Facilities Manager] come down a lot. They are very hands on and have been really helpful in promoting us to other people downtown and the Chamber [of Commerce],” said Paul.

The Chocolate Café is an eager participant in and sponsor of many City of Wausau and River District events—Night Market and the Festival of Arts being two of them. Paul and Kristin understand that people drawn to neighboring events will make their way to the Café, as well. The coffeehouse, itself, hosts a monthly Kids’ Day which includes a craft, perhaps face painting or balloon animals, goodie bags, and a 10% discount for the parents. At the moment, the Zaals are exploring the idea of introducing an adult coloring evening, where visitors can enjoy their coffee while tapping into their creativity with coloring books the Café has available.

Summer 2024 saw The Chocolate Café showcase their Belgian chocolate-drizzled strawberries at the Big Bull Falls Farm Market; encourage attendance at Movie In the Park Summer Series with the Café’s gelato, macaroons, and gummy kiddie bags to go; and serve their absolutely delicious Orange Cream Lemonade with white chocolate cold foam on top.

Fall 2024 has brought an abundance of autumnal treats and cozy moments to The Chocolate Café. (Warm brownies with scoops of creamy gelato, anyone?)

Christmas 2024, no doubt, will also be a joyful seasonal celebration at The Chocolate Café. Whether stopping by for their rich, hot drinking chocolates and coffee, the holiday décor and atmosphere, festive pastries, merry gatherings, and/or Christmas gift buying, The Chocolate Café promises to be a delightful experience for locals and visitors alike.

Special Notes:

• Paul and Kristin Zaal also own The Chocolate Shop, located in Wausau, Wisconsin, at 532 S. 3rd Ave. Along with The Chocolate Café and the Zaals’ wholesale business, the shop is part of Chocolate Creations USA.

• With every “Drink It Here” purchase at the Café, guests receive one free piece of chocolate.

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