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Sweet smell of sweet success

A couple stepped off the corporate ladder to build a business of their own.

By CHRISTINA K. COSDON, Times Staff Writer
Published November 23, 2007

The Vautiers' stores offer a wide range of treats such as these sugar-free chocolates.
	[Joseph Garnett, Jr. | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT [Joseph Garnett, Jr. | Times] Gretchen and Jim Vautier own three new Peterbrooke Chocolatier franchises in the Tampa Bay area.

Jim and Gretchen Vautier of East Lake have wanted to own a business for years. Last year, they gave up their corporate jobs and took the plunge, not once but three times. They bought the exclusive rights to develop Peterbrooke Chocolatier stores in the Tampa Bay area and now have three: in Largo, East Lake and Carrollwood. They plan a fourth next year in South Tampa. Jim Vautier said it was an easy decision to give up the corporate life and spend his time selling sweet treats instead.

Why did you choose the Peterbrooke franchise?

"We lived in Jacksonville for about eight years and became familiar with the product and Peterbrooke's wonderful customer service. It's the ultimate chocolate experience," Jim Vautier said.

What is the history of Peterbrooke Chocolatier?

It was established in 1983 in an upscale Jacksonville neighborhood by Phyllis Geiger, who named the business after her children Peter and Brooke. Peter is now president of the company and Brooke manages real estate development. Geiger trained in the European tradition of chocolatemaking but many of her products, such as chocolate-covered popcorn, pretzels, Oreo cookies and fresh fruit, are suited to American tastes. With franchising for the past two years, the company has expanded throughout Florida and into Alabama and Georgia.

What does a Peterbrooke franchise cost?

According to the company's franchise information, the estimated price is from $240,000 to $389,000. The Vautiers invested between $325,000 to $350,000 in their stores.

Where are the stores?

The East Lake/Palm Harbor store at 4936 Ridgemoor Blvd., opened in March and is managed by Deb Jones. Phone 727 787-1999. The Largo/Belleair store, at 833 West Bay Drive, opened in May and is managed by Marie Stewart. Phone (727) 585-7300. The Carrollwood store, at 13184 N Dale Mabry Highway, opened in June and is managed by Jordi Rijo. Phone (813) 969-2991. Each has seven to eight employees. The stores are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

What are some of the products offered at the stores?

Most of the items are hand-dipped at the stores and include chocolate-covered strawberries, pretzel rods and twists, popcorn, Nutter Butters, Oreos, s'mores and potato chips. There are cherry cordials, boxed assortments, sipping chocolate, chocolate chips and bars, gift baskets and sugar-free chocolates.

Custom chocolates for special events include a chocolate fondue fountain with 21/2 hours of dipping. The stores also serve gelato Italian ice cream. Delivery and shipping are available.

BUSINESS NOTES

Business seminars, classes, assistance

- Pinellas County Business Development Center, 13805 58th St. N, Suite 1-200, in the Icot Business Center near Largo. Programs are free and meet noon to 2 p.m. To speak with a business counselor or register for classes and seminars, call (727) 453-7200.

How to Start a Business meets every Wednesday. The introductory workshop offers information on how to conduct feasibility studies and develop business plans, how to obtain licenses and permits to be a legal business in Pinellas County and more.

Understanding Entrepreneurship meets the first Thursday of each month. Find out whether you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur and discover the challenges and rewards of owning your own business. Evaluate your business acumen.

Understanding Accounting and Tax Procedures meets the second Thursday of each month. The seminar is designed to help small-business owners understand proper record keeping and accounting methods to satisfy federal and state requirements for taxes and payrolls.

Marketing Your Small Business meets the third Thursday of each month.

Financing Your Business meets the fourth Thursday of each month.

- Business Assistance Center at the Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave. Meets 1 to 3 p.m. every Tuesday and also 5 to 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. For an appointment, call (727) 784-4287.

The center provides information on starting and growing a business in Pinellas County. Assistance includes business plan development, permitting, zoning, government-regulations information and more.

The business assistance specialist also provides information to assist local companies looking to export their products and foreign companies wanting to establish operations in Pinellas County.

News of businesses and businesspeople can be faxed to the Business Digest at 445-4119, e-mailed to cosdon@sptimes.com or mailed to Business Digest, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. We are interested in new and unusual businesses, promotions, expansions, commercial sales and major new contracts. Photos can be mailed or e-mailed as a .jpeg file.

[Last modified November 22, 2007, 22:36:04]