San Francisco, California, United States of America
Company Overviews
Dandelion Chocolate is a bean-to-bar chocolate factory that began in the Mission District of San Francisco.
In early 2010, we opened our doors on Valencia Street after sharing our love of small-batch, single-origin chocolate with our friends and family for years. We source all of our cocoa beans ourselves and travel to origin to forge a mutually-beneficial relationship with global partners who grow and ferment cacao. We then roast, crack, sort, winnow, grind, refine, and temper small batches of beans, and then mold and package each bar. By sourcing high quality cocoa beans and carefully crafting them, we try to bring out the individual flavors and nuances of each bean.
Since then, we have opened more locations in San Francisco and one in Las Vegas. We produce out chocolate in our factory on 16th Street in San Francisco. In addition, our 16th Street factory is also home to our own pastry kitchen, Bloom chocolate salon, and confections kitchen. In addition to making our own chocolate and confections, we stock our shelves with bonbons and confections we make with collaborators we admire. Stop by our 16th Street Factory for a tour, classes on sourcing and making single-origin chocolate, or to see our chocolate makers in action while sipping a cup of hot chocolate.
Many thanks, Todd
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
5
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: It's hard to beat the passion for chocolate that permeates Dandelion Chocolate. I loved being part of a company that genuinely cares about bean sourcing and quality. The team in Las Vegas was fantastic, always willing to help and share knowledge, making the day-to-day enjoyable. You really feel connected to the product and the craft.
Cons: While the culture is great, the pay and benefits package feels a bit dated for a company with such a high-quality product and specialized knowledge base. Sometimes, especially during peak seasons or events, the workload can feel intense, and while flexibility exists, it's not always guaranteed when short-staffed. The compensation just doesn't quite match the level of expertise and passion expected.
Advice to Management: Consider reviewing and enhancing the compensation and benefits structure to better reflect the specialized skills and dedication of your team, especially in a competitive market like Las Vegas.
Show more
Pros: Dandelion Chocolate offers a unique environment for those passionate about bean-to-bar chocolate. The production team is collaborative and dedicated to quality, fostering a supportive atmosphere. The company's reputation in the artisanal food industry provides a solid foundation, making it feel like a secure place to work. Learning opportunities around chocolate making are excellent.
Cons: While job security is generally good, the pace can pick up significantly during holidays and major sales periods, leading to increased workload and occasional stress. Communication on production schedules could sometimes be clearer to better manage workflow, especially when new product lines are introduced.
Advice to Management: Continue fostering the strong team spirit and dedication to quality. Exploring ways to streamline communication around production planning, especially for busy periods, could help manage workloads more effectively and enhance overall operational efficiency. This would further boost morale and job
Show more
Pros: The best part was definitely the team. Everyone works together well, and there's a real sense of camaraderie, which makes even busy shifts more enjoyable. I learned a lot about the daily operations of a specialty food retail environment and got to see how a small-batch chocolate company functions firsthand. The management at our San Francisco location was supportive and understanding when it came to scheduling needs, offering decent work flexibility. It's a stable place to work if you're
Cons: Sometimes during peak hours, especially on weekends, the workload as a Dishwasher and Busser could get pretty intense, making it tough to keep up without feeling rushed. Communication regarding schedule changes could sometimes be a bit last-minute, which occasionally made planning outside of work a little tricky. While there's a lot to learn, direct career growth opportunities specifically from a Dishwasher and Busser role within Dandelion Chocolate felt a bit limited without specific training
Advice to Management: Keep fostering the strong team environment; it really makes a difference. Also, consider implementing clearer processes for communicating schedule adjustments further in advance to help employees plan better. Exploring pathways or cross-training for entry-level roles into other departments could also be beneficial for career development.
Show more
What's the starting pay like for an entry-level position at Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco?
When I started at Dandelion Chocolate, an entry-level production role in their San Francisco factory typically began around $20-$22 per hour, which felt competitive for the craft chocolate industry here.
What is it like to be a CEO at a growing chocolate company like Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco?
Leading Dandelion Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate maker in San Francisco, has been incredibly rewarding. We focus on ethical sourcing and exceptional quality, which drives our company's growth and our team's dedication.
What's the interview process like for a craft chocolate maker at Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco?
The interview process felt thorough, involving a taste test and a practical skills assessment, reflecting their commitment to quality in the bean-to-bar chocolate industry. It gave me a real sense of their hands-on approach to production.
What's it like working at a craft chocolate maker like Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco?
Working at Dandelion Chocolate involves being part of a mission-driven, medium-sized company focused on bean-to-bar chocolate. Roles here often connect deeply with the craft food industry, offering hands-on experience with sourcing and production in the Bay Area.
What is the general working culture like at Dandelion Chocolate, especially for roles in operations or production?
The culture at Dandelion Chocolate is generally collaborative and focused on craft, with a strong emphasis on quality and hands-on work. Expect a fast-paced environment where teamwork is key, particularly within the production and operations teams in their San Francisco facility.
US
