SRSLY Chocolate
AFWA Grant: $2,500
As Austin’s only bean-to-bar chocolate shop, SRSLY Chocolate uses exceptional stoneground cacao to produce the smooth yet assertive chocolate. With grant funds, owner Bob Williamson bought a stone mill cacao grinder that increased his capacity by 50-percent. The purchase helped grow his business, continued his innovative collaborations with local artisan producers, and ultimately increased farmers’ incomes in Central America and the Caribbean.
Williamson's commitment to local ingredients and collaborations has led to innovative new flavors and partnerships with other local artisans. Williamson also developed chocolate workshops that will teach Austin area students about science, history, and entrepreneurship through the lens of chocolate.