Our Story - About Wendy's Chocolate Shop Miami

Alongside the noise and traffic of US-1, sits a quaint little shopping center housing one of Miami’s best kept secrets, Wendy’s Chocolates and Gift Baskets.

Upon first entering the store, you immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a chocolate fantasy land! After being greeted with the sweetest and most pleasant “Hello,” your mouth will soon begin to salivate at just the sight of all the goodies displayed in the storefront, so bring your sweet-tooth and a napkin!

It all started with a little free time and a simple desire. As the designated room parent for her son’s elementary school classroom, Wendy Sorrell wanted to provide great treats for all of their class parties. After a trip to the local craft store, attending a few special courses to learn how to make custom chocolate treats at home, and buying some supplies, Wendy opted to make a variety of custom chocolates and other sweets, thinking it would be more fun than bringing store-bought cupcakes and a bag of potato chips.

Little did anyone know, including Wendy herself, a soon-to-be chocolate queen had begun building her empire.

First established in 1993, Wendy’s Chocolates and Gift Baskets was born within a compact 500 square foot rented space and with only three cardboard boxes full of stuff to fill the store. Taking her recently retired husband’s life savings and using it to start her business was just the icing on the cake! Wendy giggled as she recalls her husband saying to her, “Now that I’m retiring, it is your turn to go get a job to support the family.” Little did he know, she had big ideas and aspirations in mind.

Undoubtedly, 16 years later and with thousands upon thousands of pounds of chocolate and candy sold, Wendy and her business are still going strong.

Outstandingly, in 2007, the Miami New Times awarded Wendy’s Chocolates and Gift Baskets with “Best Chocolate” for their annual Best of Miami® competition. [read more]

Over the years Wendy and her staff have continually participated in countless events, festivals, shows, competitions, fundraisers, as well as generously supported and donated to several causes and charitable organizations. Wendy has hosted a table at corporate events, school functions, and many other such places to benefit a non-profit organization or help raise money. She has contributed so much of her time by voluntarily participating in and making countless donations of goodies to The United Way, American Cancer Society, local homeless shelters, Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and dozens of other causes. 

One of Wendy’s favorite events is the annual Miami-Dade Harvest Fest held every November just before Thanksgiving at the Miami-Dade Fair and Expo Center. Thousands of people flock to this event each year for all of the great crafts, arts and entertainment, unique gifts, antique car show, and most of all, to taste some of Wendy’s treats! With over 400 square feet of tented space, Wendy and her sweet staff will be there to showcase many of her popular items like gift baskets, cookies, muffins, rum cake, and some festive chocolate lollipops.

She will also have samples of different types of fudge and other yummy treats. 2010 will be the 12th year that Wendy is participating at the festival and her tent is definitely a favorite stop for all visitors. So make sure to stop by, say hello, indulge yourself a little bit, and Wendy will make sure to give you a discount coupon to use on your next purchase. 

When asked if there was any request that stood out in her mind, Wendy kindly smiled and said “No, we have done everything and nothing has been too extreme. I commonly get orders for explicit chocolate candies for bachelorette parties and things of that nature. I even was given an engagement ring and asked to put it into a chocolate box for a man was going to propose to his girlfriend.”
   
A really great service that Wendy’s Chocolates and Gift Baskets offers is the hosting of private events as well as classes for the general public. There is a party room next to the store which can be reserved to have Wendy host birthday parties, book clubs, bachelorette parties, bridal or baby showers, luncheons, or other special events. There are also classes offered to anyone who wished to sign-up to learn how to do a variety of things such as making unique candies, cake, cupcake, and cookie decorating, and learning how to do specialty chocolates.

To sign-up for any of the classes, just send Wendy a quick e-mail, call, or stop by the store to visit and put your name down in the book.

Wendy and her employees will melt, mold, and manipulate chocolate into treats that some could only dream of! “There really isn’t too much we cannot do,” Wendy added. With a nearly endless list of possibilities, you can ask them to dip, flavor, shape, coat, personalize, sprinkle, assemble, and decorate just about anything imaginable.

From seasonal fruits to pretzels, party favors to gift baskets, candy bars with pictures printed on them, and liquor-filled chocolates, they can create unique and extraordinary treats for any special occasion or as an everyday delight. Each and every order is handled from start to finish with a considerate level of professionalism, kindness, creativity, and attention to detail.

Wendy and her staff have spent many years working hard to satisfy the sweet tooth of thousands of people while delivering quality and happiness every time. Chocolate and candy are commodities. Pleasure and fulfillment each are a unique need that can be met through only a limited number of ways. Why not treat yourself or someone else to the exclusivity and delectability of Wendy’s Chocolates and Gift Baskets? You will not regret it!

Wendy’s  Chocolates is open Monday thru Friday from 10am to 7pm.  Saturdays from 10am to 6pm and during the Holidays on Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. 

Contact us today for more information at 305-251-8989

Wendy's Chocolates & Gift Baskets
17856 South Dixie Highway | Miami, FL 33157 | Map
Call For Your Chocolate Now 305-251-8989

Choc·o·la·tier - The word Chocolatier is French, from chocolat, chocolate
1. One who makes or sells chocolate. (Wendy Sorrell)
2. A place where chocolate is made or sold, a chocolate shop. (Wendy's Chocolates).
3. Venue that hosts chocolate making parties, Chocolate Events, Childrens Parties, etc.