Our History
Walk into Brugge Chocolates and you will find an elegant European-style chocolate shop that is a delight to the senses. While your eyes explore a beautiful display of enrobed truffles, fruits, nuts and other confections, you breathe in the heady aromas of chocolate, caramel and spices from that day's preparations in the onsite kitchen. As you peruse the store, you will be offered a sample from the current truffle selections, allowing you to taste one of our artisan chocolates.
Brugge Chocolates was opened in February 2010 by Susan Walukiewicz who has had a passion for chocolate from an early age. Her first job in high school was at a chocolate store, where she spent three years learning about the candy business. After retiring from a career at Microsoft, Susan decided to learn everything that she could about chocolate from the very best experts in the field. She attended the Barry Callebaut Chicago Chocolate Academy, where she trained with Belgian, French and Canadian chocolatiers, always with an emphasis on artisan chocolates and confections.
In July 2023 Brugge Chocolates was purchased by Clinton Berreth (head chocolatier) and Brandon Kindle. Clinton has always held a deep love for baking, chocolates, and desserts. Formerly a registered nurse for 15 years, chocolate and baking remained a hobby, however when the opportunity arose to pursue chocolate full time, Clinton jumped at the opportunity. Clinton and Susan worked closely over the next 8 months to ensure the recipes of Brugge Chocolates continued with the utmost quality. Susan remains an active participant in Brugge Chocolates, lending her wealth of knowledge and skill.
Clinton's attention to detail, combined with his passion for distinctive, high quality chocolates has allowed Brugge Chocolates to continue it's authentic European confectionary experience in the heart of Redmond. Brugge also employs a small but knowledgeable staff of four, all of whom are involved in the creation, packaging, display and sale of confections. This approach allows Brugge to provide customers with a wealth of information about its products, making the shopping experience uniquely personal.
Brugge Chocolates uses the highest quality domestic and imported ingredients available to create truly outstanding chocolates and candies. In the classic European tradition, the truffles are petite in size, each with very thin chocolate covertures that encase the different ganaches without overwhelming them. Truffles range in flavor from the traditional Black Raspberry and Dark Chocolate to unique combinations like Raspberry Balsamic, Fig & Brie, and Cardamom Pistachio. At Brugge, you can find a truffle to tantalize any taste.