Retail Update: We’re Open!

May 21, 2015 3 Comments

Storefront is open! Come check out the new space!

Hours
Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm
Sat: 10am - 6pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm

Yesterday we passed health inspection. Today we are soft opening. Other than getting signs in our window, every major task is complete. There are still a lot of small details to iron out, ways we can grow into the space to make it more friendly and inviting for you and to prepare for a grand opening in a couple weeks, but what we have now we are mighty proud to show off.

If you’d like to read about the process to this point, check out the blog posts: Get Creative, Let’s Build It, Home Stretch, and Install and Inspect.

Stikwood

These reclaimed wood boards were a cinch to apply to the front of the bar. Mostly credit is due to our cabinetry builder, Brian, for his strict rules regarding level application. He was able to shape the wood to cover some really tricky spots seamlessly, like around electrical conduits and uneven floor tiles.

After the wood went on, it became very apparent how similar the bar face is now to the color of the slate floor. A glossier finish to the floor would help to give the wood a better contrast. That might be a project we tackle in the near future since it is inexpensive and relatively easy to apply.

Free Art Wall

Blocks ended up being easy to produce. Aaron’s dad helped a lot, offering to cut the 4” x 4” wood blocks at his shop in MN and then ship them to us flat rate using the USPS. From there it’s a matter of spraying adhesive to the face of the wood and positioning the photo correctly.

The concept is a “Free Art Wall”. That means you are encouraged to take a block (or several) with you if they speak to you. We suggest a donation of some kind to help the wall keep going.

As you can see, there are a lot of open blocks on the wall. If you have pictures of Pioneer Square, Seattle, the North West, or chocolate that you think would make a good addition, then send them to us via twitter (@intriguechocola) or on instagram (@intrigue_chocolate_co). You can also just let us know what your instagram name is and give us permission to choose from what you have available. All the blocks have a photo credit on the back.

Special thank you to the following instagram users that helped fill the wall thus far!

@barbievanhorn
@coltercousa
@eluvs
@esmithmerc
@grubedoo
@mnschneider
@mr_kiana
@ryandeanposey
@saffrongal

What we’re thinking about now

Fill Shelves and Displays

Last night we filled the shelves with product, dishes, and spices. There is still quite a bit of space we can fill and that is good, we have a lot planned. Look forward to flavored sugars, infused honeys, tea mixes, and origin chocolates.

Signage

We are still waiting to hear from the preservation board for the signage we’d like approved, and we have our sign artist. Then we’ll need to pick up a few permits from the city before application. Signage was really delayed in this process. That’s our fault for underestimating the number of department s that need to weigh in, as well as the very specific details they require.

You!

Please do come on by, check out the space, and taste some chocolates. We are planning to have a few extra goodies there for you, too, so don’t be shy!