Nestled in the heart of historic Apalachicola, Florida, just a short drive from the pristine white sands of St. George Island and Cape San Blas beaches, the Apalachicola Chocolate & Coffee Company stands as a delightful haven for beachgoers seeking a sweet escape. Founded in 2016 by chocolatier Kirk Lynch and his wife Faith, this mom-and-pop gem embodies the town’s laid-back charm and commitment to craftsmanship. Kirk, with over two decades of culinary experience from upscale resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands to fine dining across the States, returned home to raise their son Hendrix and pour his passion into creating confections that rival the world’s best.
Step inside this cozy Market Street storefront, and you’re enveloped in the intoxicating aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans and molten Belgian chocolate. Here, everything is made in-house with premium, ethically sourced ingredients—fair-trade beans from South America and Indonesia, and rich chocolates that form the base for an array of handmade treats. Indulge in silky fudge varieties, chewy caramels studded with sea salt, decadent French pudding truffles, almond rocky road clusters, and exotic Turkish delights in flavors like orange and rose. For a cooling respite after a day by the Gulf’s turquoise waters, their homemade gelato and waffle cones come in rotating seasonal scoops, from classic vanilla to local-inspired key lime.
But this isn’t just a candy shop; it’s a full-service café fueling your coastal adventures. Start your morning with a robust espresso, creamy latte, or cold brew, paired with house-baked pastries, imported New York bagels, or savory breakfast sandwiches on fresh bread. Lunch brings hearty soups, quiches, and pies that satisfy without weighing you down before hitting the beach. The space buzzes with eclectic artwork collected by the Lynches—local pieces mingling with global finds—creating an inviting nook for lingering over people-watching or journaling your Florida panhandle memories.
Visitors rave about the genuine hospitality and quality that make every visit feel like a warm hug from the Forgotten Coast. Whether you’re grabbing souvenirs for loved ones or treating yourself to a post-sunset indulgence, Apalachicola Chocolate & Coffee Company captures the essence of Florida’s beachside bliss: simple, soulful, and utterly irresistible. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Sundays), it’s the perfect pit stop to sweeten your seaside journey.
