Theo Chocolate introduces curb-side pick up to continue trading during Coronavirus

The company says the impact of COVID-19 is being felt worldwide and it wants to help make life at home a little sweeter by making it easier to get treats while continuing to create jobs for Theo employees. ​

Difficult time

The company will make deliveries from ​its flagship store, in Phinney Ave, Seattle, to anywhere within an eight mile radius of this location. 

Local Seattle customers can go to its website and place an order via phone, or fill out an online form and choose between: Flagship Pick Up: No order minimum; Pull up outside, give Theo a call, and they will bring out the order right to the car or Home Delivery (contact free): $20 minimum order, free doorstep delivery to Fremont and Ballard and $5 delivery free for all other Seattle locations (up to an eight mile radius) ​

All flagship products are included in the curb-side pick up and delivery service, as well as ‘Theo-To-Go’ exclusives. 

“We knew we wanted to continue to serve our Seattle community during this difficult times. So, we started brainstorming ideas to offer a safer option for our local community​,” said Etienne Patout, CEO, Theo Chocolate. 

“We’ve always seen chocolate as a special way to treat yourself, and we hope by offering these treats, we can continue to brighten spirits. As a local Seattle business, we also designed this program so that we could continue to provide jobs for our employees.​”

Patout added all the delivery trucks will be sanitized, ​adhering to CDC guidelines. Employees will also wear gloves and masks, and are instructed to leave orders on the doorstep, step back six feet and then call the customer to let them know their order has been delivered.

“In an effort to control the spread of the virus, packaging will not be returnable after deliveries have been completed. We ask that the community recycle packaging when possible,​” said Patout.

“The entire Seattle community has been affected by the Coronavirus. Whether you know someone who has it, or it has affected your everyday life, the greater Seattle area is feeling the effects of this virus. At this time, there have been no confirmed cases of the virus within the company.​

“​Chocolate is a food item and we are proud to have distribution in grocery stores nationwide. We plan to keep making chocolate as long as we can in safe and sanitary conditions. We are closely monitoring the local, state, WHO, CDC and FDA announcements.​

Businesses working together

“Local businesses are the backbone of a city’s community. We have seen the ripple effect this pandemic has had on businesses and workers. We are all coming together and getting a bit creative to help each other out,​” added Patout. 

“We were inspired by what other Seattle restaurants were doing in response to the outbreak and knew we could model a program that supports our business and lift up other local businesses​. 

“We started by partnering with Molly Moon’s Ice Cream and Dorothea Coffee by adding some of their products to our Theo-To-Go menu. We hope to partner with additional local companies. It is important to stay busy and lift each other up in times of uncertainty​.”

Patout added, orders and deliveries started on March 17 and since then, it has had a steady stream of orders and seen positive feedback on social media. 

“We’ve created new exclusive offerings that we hope solve problems for people stuck inside. Our DIY Ice Cream Sandwich Kit and our Edible Tic-Tac-Toe game were created as activity kits for family bonding moments. Our on-demand Coffee & Chocolate Pairing Kit is a great way to start the weekend at home​,” he said.

Theo Chocolate was established in 2006. By sourcing organic and Fair Trade certified cocoa beans from farmers in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru, Theo invites people to discover a better world through chocolate.