When Cocoa Mia owners, Jen and Gray Rudd, were leaving the movie “Chocolat” during Christmas of 2000, they could never have envisioned owning a chocolate shop.   And, like the characters in that film, they also could not see the winds of change taking them to unexpected places.  The first breeze came when walking to the car after the movie.  Upon musing about how beautiful the daughter’s name in the film had been, Jen and Gray agreed to change the name they’d already picked out for their unborn daughter.  But they had no idea that one day, they’d be creating similar chocolate delicacies in their very own shoppe.

Almost eighteen years later, the Rudds – now a family of four – are continuing the traditions of the sweet shop’s former owner by hand crafting their delicious truffles and chocolate bars in downtown Floyd.  They are also adding some new twists of their own, such as chocolate croissants, and stuffing dates with almonds then dipping them in their house chocolates.  They’ve added more beverages, but their signature Hot Chocolate and Mocha Java are as decadent and delicious as ever.

It is truly a family operation.  Formerly from the world of financial planning, Gray has transitioned to Cocoa Mia on a permanent basis.  Jen is a full-time Quality Manager at a diagnostic laboratory, but is often found experimenting at the shop, working with new and exciting flavors in bars and truffles.  One such experiment produced the new Avocado Lime popsicle, which is ridiculously good.   The two children are even there on weekends, pitching in with service and helping the team to research and develop new products.

The whole family fell in love with the shop when it was run by the previous owner.  When they saw the “for sale” sign go up in early Spring this year, they jumped at the opportunity.  With a love of food and chocolate, as well as the science behind both, they embraced the “hand crafted in Floyd” tradition with selections of truffles, bars, and other goodies made in shop.

On Saturday afternoons at Cocoa Mia, customers can also experience what it’s like to be a chocolatier! After choosing from a selection of nuts, dried fruits, and oddball toppings like potato chips, visitors can mix and create their very own bar.  “We also carry a unique selection of the finest Artisan chocolate bars from America and around the world,” Jen explains.  “We hope everyone will come and enjoy our family’s hospitality, as well as our delicious chocolate and coffee creations.”

The Rudds have lived in the area for over eleven years, and they love the town as much now as when they first arrived.  “It is amazing to see the growth and changes over the last decade,” says Gray.  “We can’t wait to see what the next ten years brings.”  It will be interesting to see where the winds will take the Rudds and their chocolate adventure in the future.

Cocoa Mia
109 E Main St, Floyd, VA
facebook.com/cocoamiachocolates
cocoamiachocolates@gmail.com
540-695-0224