The Syrian family that created the widely popular Peace by Chocolate company in Antigonish, N.S. is being forced to move, and they couldn't be happier about it.
The success and overwhelming demand for their chocolates has allowed them to open a new factory. It's all part of the family's dream come true.
“We didn't come here to take anybody's job,” says owner Tareq Hadhad. “We just came here to create jobs and to contribute to the community of Antigonish that really helped us since the beginning.”
The chocolate makers have just put their first job postings online. They need people to work in production and shipping in the new factory, since they plan to start sending more product south of the border.
Since the beginning, the family has made thousands of chocolates a day in the baby barn next to their home. But they say now, it’s simply not enough.
“To meet the demand we need at least 20 times bigger than this place, so that's why we are moving to a new factory,” Hadhad says.
Officials at the Nova Scotia Works office in Antigonish say Peace by Chocolate has become an inspiration for local businesses.
“We're here to help not only job seekers, but employers, and we think that as an employer that they're a shining example for the community,” says Ashley Shelton.
Hadhad says the family would prefer to keep the location of the new factory a secret until the official opening on Aug. 10. When that happens, the small baby barn will become a gift shop and museum.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Dan MacIntosh.
