Discover the French Broad Chocolate Factory & Café in Asheville

Taste, learn, and explore at French Broad Chocolate’s bean-to-bar factory in Asheville. Visitors get an insider look at how cacao beans are transformed into chocolate bars, truffles, drinking chocolate and more — from roasting and winnowing to conching, molding, and packaging.
Why it’s special: It’s a real working craft-chocolate factory where you can see production in action, learn about bean sourcing and chocolate making, and enjoy tastings and treats — a rare “from bean to bar” experience in the U.S.

History/Story of the Factory

French Broad Chocolate began as a dream to make handcrafted, ethically-sourced chocolate from bean to final product, right in Asheville. Over the years, the business has grown into a fully functioning chocolate factory and café that still retains artisanal values, combining sustainable sourcing of cacao beans with small-batch chocolate craftsmanship and community engagement.

What You’ll See & Do

• Learn how cacao beans are selected, roasted, winnowed, ground, and molded into chocolate — a full bean-to-bar walkthrough

• Observe the factory production process through viewing windows, seeing roasting drums, conching machines, and molding lines

• Taste several chocolate samples: cacao nibs, single-origin bars, chocolate bonbons

• Explore the café and tasting room offering handmade truffles, hot chocolate, pastries, and signature “liquid truffles”

• Visit the shop to buy chocolate bars, truffles, baked goods, and gifts — all made on-site

Visiting Information

Hands-On Elements

Visitors pass through guided factory windows, smell fresh cacao roasting, taste chocolate at different production stages, and learn how origin, bean type, and processing affect flavor and texture.

Photo/Video Policy

Photography is generally allowed in public areas, cafe, and viewing zones. For safety and quality control, production zones may restrict close-up filming — please observe signage and staff instructions.

Souvenirs & Extras

• Chocolate bars, truffles, drinking chocolate, pastries — made in-house

• Gift boxes, chocolate-themed merchandise, and seasonal specials

• A 10% off coupon for tour guests, usable the same or next day

Practical Info

Tours take roughly 45 minutes. Guests must arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to check in. Factory & café are located just outside downtown Asheville along the river — parking is available. The shop and café are open daily; the factory tour requires advance reservation.

Pricing

• Factory Tour with Tasting: US $12 per adult

• Children (approx. 8–12 years): typically discounted (check at booking)

• Under ~8 years: often free or strongly discounted (depending on policy)

• Café items / gifts / chocolate bars: priced individually

Nearby

• Downtown Asheville & River Arts District — cafes, galleries, and street art

• Scenic Riverside Drive and local walking/bike trails along the river

• Other Asheville attractions: craft breweries, Blue Ridge Parkway access, historic neighborhoods

FAQs

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes — kids enjoy watching chocolate-making, tasting samples, and browsing colorful treats. Short tours and tastings are suitable for families; for younger kids, the café and shop offer a lighter experience.

Do I need to book ahead?

Yes — tours are by reservation only. It’s recommended to book early, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons.

What if I’m late for my tour?

Guests arriving more than 10 minutes late may be denied entry, to avoid disrupting ongoing production — best to arrive early.

Can I just visit the café without doing the tour?

Absolutely. The café and shop are open daily; you don’t need a tour to enjoy chocolate, pastries, or café items.

Are there vegan or dairy-free options?

Yes — the factory and café often offer dairy-free chocolate bars and vegan treats. Always check with staff at the time of visit for available options.