A River Forest shop is moving a few blocks west within the village, with an eye on a fall opening.
River Forest Chocolates will move to 7769 Lake St.; the business opened in 2011 at 7577 Lake St. Donna Fantetti Slepicka, owner and chocolatier, said she’s hoping to do a soft opening in the new space Oct. 1, followed by a grand opening event Oct. 14.
The move increases the shop’s footprint from 650 square feet to about twice that, “which is really great for me, because I’m really at capacity,” Fantetti Slepicka said.
Part of Fantetti Slepicka’s initial business plan was to offer classes and host parties, but that’s not been possible in the current space. She looks forward to the ability to do so in the new storefront, in addition to having more space to handle large corporate orders.
“It’ll just run a lot smoother,” she said.
The new space — which previously served as a yoga studio with massage rooms — is being outfitted with a kitchen, including chocolate temper machines, Fantetti Slepicka said.
Since opening, River Forest Chocolates has become known for its English toffee and caramels, and handling large special orders. It got its start several years ago, after Fantetti Slepicka took a chocolate class at Triton College and fell in love with the chemistry of candy-making.
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“Oh my gosh, I was hooked,” she said. After perfecting each class project and sharing her results with friends to rave reviews, Fantetti Slepicka began doing home events and shows. She then rented space in a commercial kitchen before opening her own shop at the corner of Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue.
As the business grew, she began looking for a new space about two years ago. Staying in River Forest was key, although available commercial spaces can be hard to come by in the village.
“I need to be here. I live here. I love all that,” Fantetti Slepicka said.
River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci said the shop is important to the community, since it fits with the village’s character, and she’s excited to see it growing.
“We are over the moon over the fact that she wanted to stay in River Forest,” Adduci said. “These are the type of businesses we want in River Forest.”
River Forest Chocolates will occupy only about half of the commercial space Fantetti Slepicka purchased. She said she’d love to see someone like herself open a sandwich or coffee shop in the remaining space.
After a vacation closure, the shop will reopen in the current space Sept. 5 and move into the new space as it becomes ready for occupancy, Fantetti Slepicka said.
“I really want to be in the new space by Oct. 1,” she said.
For more information, visit www.riverforestchocolates.com or call 708-203-9337.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.