I would like to add to that above kicker “delights, plants and gifts” to the list as well. It’s always such a joy to walk into Dancing Bear Chocolate. It’s a treat for all your senses. Your nose can smell the chocolate and sugar, your ears can hear the laughter of Steven and Joe, your eyes play ping pong as they move around the store with so many delicious treats and gifts to look at, while also getting a first-hand glance at watching the magic of chocolate making. And there are your taste buds that will absolutely savor the deliciousness of the candy, gelato or snacks that you pick up. Truly, it is an experience for your whole-self.
Owned and operated by chef/chocolatier Steven Howard and his husband Joe Skifter, Dancing Bear Chocolate is a must-try for locally crafted artisan chocolates, confections, pastry, gelato and savory. Steven and Joe grew up in rural America, Steven in Oklahoma and Nebraska, and Joe in southern Minnesota. They made their way to Minneapolis in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Steven’s extensive professional chef background includes time with D’Amico Cocina, Cruise Ship Executive Chef, Chocolatier on Nantucket and Executive Chef for Open Arms MN. Steven also owned and operated three Cafes in Tulsa OK. Joe’s background includes sales/management positions, including online sales, coffee shop management, Project for Pride in Living and Open Book. Their lives finally intersected during the summer of 2013, married in 2016, and make their home in Robbinsdale. From the beginning they knew one day they would open a shop of their own.
Founded in 2017 they launched Dancing Bear in January 2018. After operating as a wholesale and event sale business for the first few years, they purchased a vintage 1929 corner store at 4367 Thomas Ave North in 2019 and opened Dancing Bear Chocolate in May 2020.
They stock over 200 different items, with a small portion located on their website. Which, let me tell you, once you check out their website, you absolutely want to stop what you are doing and head on over to treat yourself. And it is a treat-yourself kind of place. A treat for you, your kids, your nieces and nephews, your partner, or for a party you are planning. You definitely don’t want to miss out; dancing-bear-chocolate.square.site/.
When my daughter was turning 13 we threw her a special birthday party scavenger hunt. We wanted the end gift to be something special, so we brought our idea to Dancing Bear and they were able to create a chocolate ball filled with a cream cake inside wrapped in a bow (pictured)! It was so special and unique, she absolutely adored it, and we loved that we could give her something she hadn’t seen before.
Working with Steven and Joe was such a delight, and we continue to love going in for special treat days!
But it’s always more than just a store right? That is hope when we invest in small businesses in our neighborhoods, where community members own the stores we shop in. Giving back and community engagement is a huge part of what Steven and Joe do and how they operate their business. They are the hosts of a small outdoor Farmers Market, sponsor of a Little League baseball team, have a Little Free Library outside the shop, organize an Outdoor Holiday Market with Santa, and a Red Cross Bloodmobile. They also participate in various community and charitable fundraisers.
Conveniently located in the Victory Neighborhood, Dancing Bear holds a market every Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. until mid-October. (Note no market Aug. 31, Sept. 7 or 14.) They are open Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Monday – Wednesday. You can reach Dancing Bear at 612-963-1912 or by email at dancingbearchocolate@gmail.com.