Two big retail names are hoping the food of the gods will bring them heavenly sales; also, a coffee experience that will take you back in time.

Attention chocolate snobs! Today’s blog is just for you. It’s all about that heavenly moment when God’s two most perfect beans, cocoa and coffee, come together to create the best combination since Lennon and McCartney.

Godiva Chocolatier recently introduced a new line of sumptuous coffee blends to make your morning a little bit sweeter. Godiva Coffee is now available throughout the US in seven varities. Among them are three unflavored breakfast blends and four “truffle” flavors including Caramel, Hazelnut Crème, French Vanilla and Chocolate Truffle. Are you drooling yet?

“Godiva Coffee strikes the perfect balance between rich, smooth coffee and tempting truffle-inspired flavorings,” said Godiva executive chef Thierry Muret.

A 12 oz. bag retails for about $9 bucks at participating grocery stores, a price Godiva hopes consumers will see as much-deserved indulgence rather than a pricey one.

“Godiva Coffee’s captivating aroma and rich, smooth finish transforms the daily coffee ritual into a daily indulgence,” said company spokesperson Chris Lansing. “We can all benefit from taking a moment to slow down and reset. Now, you can brew great tasting Godiva Coffee at home at an affordable price and take time to enjoy the little things in life.”

Caribou goes premium

Caribou Coffee is also hoping consumers will want to give themselves a little chocolatey indulgence in otherwise lean times. Starting last week, select Caribou stores have begun using premium chocolate in all of their cocoa-infused drinks.

And this isn’t just any chocolate. It’s San Francisco’s Guittard Chocolate, a company that’s been cooking up cocoa beans in the city since the California Gold Rush. Caribou also plans to sell Guittard chocolate bars in each of its locations.

Caribou’s CEO Michael Tattersfield says the chocolate is just the beginning of bringing more premium touches to the Minnesota company’s stores. Future plans include premium oatmeal and baked-in-store goodies. Hmm, sounds familiar…even downright “perfect”.

Unlike some of their competitors, especially the “perfect” one, Caribou is having a great year. Under Tattersfield’s leadership, the company has seen its stock climb from just $1.32 this time last year to up above $8.60 this month.

Party like it’s 1799

Ok, so maybe chocolate’s not your thing. Maybe you like you’re coffee old school, really old school. In that case, today’s formal dedication of America’s only 18th-century style coffeehouse may be more what you’re looking for.

Colonial Williamsburg, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, will officially open R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse on Monday. The present building stands where archaeological evidence says the original R. Charlton’s once stood back in the 1765.
It will have the look and feel of a late 18th century coffeehouse where socially and politically motivated individuals would meet to discuss ideas.

Guests will not only get the chance to sample popular beverages from the Revolutionary war era – coffee, tea, and chocolate – but also get the chance to see what coffeehouses back then were like.

The building is the historic area’s first reconstructed 18th century building in 50 years.

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