Fran’s Chocolates

I could eat Fran’s candy every day and never get tired of it. From the orange confit to the signature salted caramel, my chocolate cravings are always met! Salted caramels are a simple concept where so many fail. Fran’s has the proper balance of chocolate, salt, and caramel every time! The tas de noix is the chocolate of my dreams with a perfect macadamia nut mixed with chocolaty goodness. The orange confit is always perfect with a citrusy strip of orange expertly dipped in chocolate. The list goes on and on. If only all chocolatiers were as dedicated to their craft as Fran’s the world would be a perfect place!
This particular location is my favorite. The industrial feel of the brick and steel are the perfect contrast to the refined reputation of Fran’s. The staircase to the roof makes you want to run over and climb it. The open concept is airy and welcoming. Plenty of space for everyone to wander around, have a cup of coffee, enjoy sweets, pretty much the perfect place. Wander over to watch chocolate production before you leave!

I visited Fran’s with a friend recently and we had a lovely time! I’d definitely recommend this place to any chocolate lover :) 5 stars might be a tad generous, but there really wasn’t anything not to like!
Pros:
— Gorgeous, quiet, open space with a large long table and also maybe ten or so smaller two person tables to meet up with someone or get some work done over some chocolate and/​or a drink (see photo for menu!).
— Good selection of awesome chocolates! You can buy by the piece ($ 2 each) or there’s prepackaged boxes as well.
— There’s a viewing room of the production facility! What a fun, quick thing to check out while in the shop already :)
Cons:
— Parking is street only, and limited! My friend and I had a difficult time finding a spot, and it was early afternoon on a Monday!
— This location closes at 6pm every day they’re open, which can make it harder to get to after work on weekdays if you’re fighting traffic

It’s a good quality chocolate forever. I love these chocolate and lucky for me… someone gave me a Valentine’s Day!

Not a fan of chocolates, but I’m a fan of Fran’s! That’s how good it is.
We celebrate 2016 with some mango Bellini and Fran’s Chocolates!
Here’s to a wonderful new year!

Stumbled upon this place on a random Friday afternoon in Georgetown. It is an AMAZING space and the coconut gold bars are to die for. Seriously. SO happy this is close to my house!

Yummy chocolate. Fascinating building in eclectic artsy Georgetown in south Sesttle. Friendly professional staff. Plus a sample !!!

Arrived a bit past 4:30 and was absolutely floored. The space is so light and airy but felt a bit like municipal halo — clean, well-​lit, organized, minimalistic, and divine!
Unfortunately we came too late to view actual floor work as most of the employees have gone home. We were still allowed in and treated for a brown sea salt caramel in milk chocolate.
You have to check out the bathroom! It’s clean and has 2-​in-​1 feature with faucet in middle and hand dryers on either side. I must be a country bumpkin but I thought it was pretty cool!!!
I was helped by a really patients and great guy — mike!!! Super awesome and friendly! But he was courteous and accepted my request to treat the folks I was with and refused their money. After they chose whatever singles to consume, immediately I got a chance to really pick and choose.
For the 20 piece assorted — I had requested to have a custom box but only for dark chocolate truffles & grey sea salt caramels. I was seriously being a dingbat but since no one was there I didn’t feel rushed making a decision.
Dark chocolate dipped figs were amazing! It’s a bit more expensive and when chosen, comes with its own super tiny and cute box!!! The dark chocolate apricots were awesome too and did not disappoint — since the apricot itself was pretty tart, it balanced very well with the dark chocolate. I was also able to get those boxes individually as well.
We had the 3 oz hot chocolate and wowsers –it was unbelievable rich and decadent. I pounded that beverage like there was no tomorrow. It came with a small dark chocolate thin too!
After all had been said and done, boxes gorgeously tied with ribbon, I was able to get additional bags to put in chocolates when they get handed out.
Totally above and beyond in customer service. My experience at Georgetown location was fantastical and I will only continue going to this location moving forward. The staff in the City (located in Four Seasons) could learn a thing or two about customer service.

This is such a well-​kept secret in Georgetown. I have been to the locations across from the SAM and in University Village, but was unaware there was a factory location until my friend Faith met me there last week. What a treat! When we first walked in we were given free raspberry filled chocolates. This must’ve been a special for Vday, as usually the greeter chocolate is the classic caramel with sea salt. All the same, it was wonderful. Then I had a cappuccino and Faith had the caramel latte. Both were completely satisfying. Each coffee also came with a piece of 66% cacao dark chocolate in the gold wrap. Classy!
This location has viewing windows into the chocolate room, where little ladies are handmaking the chocolates we see so nicely packaged in the stores. I think the building used to house a bank or some commercial business. It is industrial with a lot of light — a great place to get cozy with a book. Parking was a breeze. The only downside is there is no wi-​fi. Can’t wait to come back here!

Amazing space, coffee bar is especially great. I’m a fan.

Wow! Such a wonderful shop with so much character. Loved my visit to this new location. It’s so spacious inside with plenty of room to roam while sipping a latte or mocha made right on site.
I was greeted by a very cordial gentleman who boxed up a beautiful gift box of gold bars for me while I went over to the bar to order a caramel latte. The latte was deliciously made and of course it contained Fran’s caramel! Yummy, what a nice afternoon pick me up.
This location is where their delicious chocolates are made. I’m so glad to have discovered it. Can’t wait to try my chocolate dipped ginger and apricot which I chose as a treat to myself.

BEST WHITE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE EVER.
Yep. Smooth, sweet but not overly sweet. Doesn’t leave a waxy flavor/​texture in your mouth like cheap white chocolate truffles normally do. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is rustic and fancy at the same time.
I wish there would be more of a tour or a bird’s eye view of the plant so we can get a better look at how the chocolates are made but the little room with a few windows sufficed for a quick view of how things operated.
The simplicity of the place is what I adored. A long glass case showcased Fran’s truffles. At $ 2/​ea (some more) isn’t for the light hearted when it comes to money but it’s so delicious. Is it worth $ 2? I can’t say i’d do it over and over and over again… but when the craving hits — I know where to go for a good truffle.
The coffee/​lattes are $ 3 for a small single shot and the hot chocolate is $ 5 and is too rich for me to drink.
Overall I like the place a lot — I love the area too great place to take photos and eat chocolate!

Yes, I’ll admit I’m a dork. I was at Fonda La Catrina and Fantagraphics the same day Fran’s in Georgetown opened on 9÷29÷14 and didn’t stop in — so Richie D nailed it with his third point mentioned in his inaugural Unilocal post.
I’ve been a fan of Fran’s since the days with her original Madison Valley shop and later toured her Capitol Hill production facility with my pastry class 15 years ago. Finally had an opportunity to stop in this afternoon on 10÷8÷14.
Since this historic building and site was sold in 2001, this area has been the symbol of gentrification in Georgetown, the last of the historically hip, blue collar, and artistic urban village of Seattle. So it is welcoming to see the refurbished and restored Rainier Cold Storage breathes new life with the relocation of Fran’s main operations from Capitol Hill to Georgetown.
Very spare and retained a lot of the industrial feel. But of course, you’re there for the fine chocolates! Whether it’s drinking chocolate, individual chocolates or any of the beautifully wrapped boxes of chocolates with the signature bows — the consistent, high quality chocolates are nicely arranged to tempt you. Their product line is to be thoroughly enjoyed and savored.
One sales associate kindly offered a complimentary caramel while I perused what else to buy (hazelnut and a dark chocolate truffle, $ 2.00 each), box of 7 gray salt caramels to be shipped to Iowa ($ 14), and of course, another larger box of 12 gray and smoked caramels for the family. No one ever says they’ve gone to Fran’s and shows up empty handed back at home.
After I signed the guest book, another sales associate enthusiastically showed me the viewing room of their production facility, which is now four times the square footage of their former Capitol Hill location. Big, bright, impeccably clean, nice production flow, and dedicated spaces (like all the tempering machines up front). This is important to me with my pastry and pharmaceutical QC microbiology background.
I was told that consideration is being given towards future facility tours, clearly this is already on some mobile food tour destination judging from others in the shop. I’d say having Fran’s associates available to answer questions is fine, especially before the early afternoon when production wraps up for the business day.
If you want the nitty gritty about cacao beans, roasting and full chocolate production — go on the facility tours at the Theo production plant in Fremont. There’s also well educated staff about chocolate regions and great drinking chocolate at Chocolopolis on upper Queen Anne.
However, Fran Bigelow and her entire staff has consistently set the standard in artisan chocolates and is hands down one of the best establishments in the Pacific Northwest and US. This is a must-​stop for any individual who celebrates high quality product.
So now there’s Fran’s in Bellevue and in Seattle — University Village, downtown Seattle by the Seattle Art Museum, and the lovely brand new main operations in Georgetown (this site open Mon-​Sat 10am — 6pm). Stop in and treat yourself, family, friends, and/​or colleagues to a delightful bite of luxurious heaven!

I was floored three times.
First, when I read in Seattle Magazine that Fran’s Chocolate’s Headquarters was opening nearby in Georgetown’s Original Rainier Brewery Building.
Second, when I stepped within it’s spacious, historic doors. Of course, I was welcomed in with a complimentary square of their famous dark chocolate sea salt caramels. Mmm mmm good!
Third, when I discovered that no one had yet Unilocaled it! Score!
Fran’s space is amazing with many hints of historic preservation (original flooring, spiral staircase, and ceilings) juxtaposed with a Willy Wonka chocolate dream world. They added on to the old brewery to make space for their headquarters, while squeezing in their production, chocolate displays and even an espresso/​chocolate sipping bar within the original housing. You can peek through observation windows to check out the magic of decadent chocolates being created (primarily before 2 pm). I personally love the chocolate sipping bar since Fran’s has one of the best, richest hot chocolates (with homemade whipped cream of course) in Seattle. The smallest 3 oz size is just enough to conquer my sweet tooth. I was familiar with their downtown 1^st Avenue location just steps away from Pike Place, but now this has won my heart over. Now that winter is setting in, it will be my go-​to place for those dreary Seattle days. I always say «cold hands, warm heart,» yet when in Frans, it will be «warm hands, warm [and happy] heart.» After all, who doesn’t perk up with some hot chocolate?!
Psst…If you have a Chinook Book, they will allow you to redeem the current coupons at this new location.
Awarded Review of the Day in Seattle, Washington on 12/​20/​2014!