Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
CHOCOLATERIE STAM
CHOCOLATERIE STAM. Ton Stam moved to Iowa around 1999 bringing his family's history of chocolate. The company he founded, Chocolaterie Stam, in 2014 had nine stores in six midwestern states with four of the stores in Iowa. (1)
Production was carried out in Des Moines. Using European techniques, the chocolates were creamier than American varieties. Neither wax nor preservatives were used so the chocolates had to be kept cool. (2)
With its location at 269 Main, the company was interested in "selling an experience." Customers could come in and order wine or chocolate or both. The owners stated many customers came from the HOTEL JULIEN DUBUQUE. (3)
In 2014 the Dubuque franchise was owned by Paula Keuter. She sold the Galena and Dubuque branches of the company to Alex and Alicia Ellerbeck. They closed the Galena branch in January, 2017. In the spring of 2017, the Ellerbecks sold the Dubuque operation to Rene Kelly, a Dubuque native, who was living in Portland, Oregon. (4)
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Source:
1. "Chocolaterie Stam," 365ink Magazine, January 30-February 12, 2014, p. 30
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Franklin, Valessa. "Chocolaterie Stam Set for Changes," Telegraph Herald, June 19, 2017, p. 3A