History of Lake Champlain Chocolates

Lake Champlain Chocolates started on a dare . . .

In 1983, Jim Lampman, owner of Burlington, Vermont's acclaimed Ice House Restaurant on the Lake Champlain waterfront, was buying expensive boxes of chocolates as gifts for his staff. One day, his pastry chef, a man of high epicurean standards, took Jim aside after receiving one too many boxes. "These chocolates are terrible," he confessed. "All right then, you do better!" Jim challenged him.

Shortly thereafter, Jim was presented with hand rolled, distinctively flavored truffles - the finest chocolates Jim had ever tasted. Jim began serving them Sundays to select restaurant patrons. The response was so favorable, Jim founded Lake Champlain Chocolates to keep up with the demand.

Although intended only for wholesale, and located in a tiny alley, the business was constantly interrupted by retail customers who somehow found out which door to knock on to get the locally famous truffles. Jim eventually sold the restaurant to devote himself full time to his new business.

Starting with truffles, he soon concocted Chocolates of Vermont. The product line has since grown to include hot chocolate, Five Star bars, caramels, organic chocolates, novelties and much more.

In 1998, we moved to our present location at 750 Pine Street. We make all of our chocolates in one 24,000 square foot building. During peak season, we're nearly 100 people.

The growing team at Lake Champlain Chocolates now includes Jim's two children: Ellen focuses on the planning side and Eric works in marketing and product development.The company continues with the highest standards of chocolate-making Jim began with over twenty-five years ago, and still uses only the freshest, natural ingredients.

Over the years, Lake Champlain Chocolates has been honored with many regional and national awards. LCC sells its sumptuous chocolates wholesale across the US to specialty food shops, gift shops, and natural food stores, and maintains three local retail locations. Mail order and online sales is the fastest growing segment of the business, shipping directly to consumers throughout the US.