B.T. McElrath

It’s the little things that matter to Brian McElrath, founder and owner of B.T. McElrath chocolates. And we’re not just talking chocolates. This former chef, turned chocolatier, puts as much energy into the sustainability of his company as he does to his tomato basil ganache. If you’ve had B.T. McElrath chocolate – you’re already convinced. There isn’t any turning, back – really. But what makes the chocolate more interesting is the mind of the man behind it all.
Almost more than the food itself, Brian gets excited about the process of creating it. Starting with stocks and sauces as a chef, he’s always liked taking basic elements and creating complex things.



You could say Brian is an artist. You could also say he’s a scientist, too. But the way in which he brings technical notes such as consistency, aroma, texture, and flavor together, crossing them just in time with harmony makes me think he’s a musician. Striking a certain cord with each individual chocolate isn’t easy, as the composition includes formulation, flavor, and presentation. Coming from a strong culinary background as a chef, Brian’s knowledge of what flavors already work together in other applications provides the base for his exotic and unique combinations that are no strangers around the Twin Cities.



The details of the chocolates themselves aren’t the only decisions he takes seriously as his business practices also reflect his attuned mind. Using paper material from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative for his packaging ensures that trees are being replanted and the environment is being taken care of. But it doesn’t end there. Brian’s green practices turn a few hues deeper yet. His employees work on a 4-day schedule, which keeps their cars off the road on Fridays (the worst traffic day). Not only reducing fuel costs for the employees, it saves both them and the environment time. They also work with EcoExpress for their local courier because they not only operate with fuel-efficient vehicles, but they also plant a tree for every delivery they make.



As for the chocolates, the dairy products are coming from Minnesota’s own Hope Creamery and Pride of Main Street Dairy. This, doubled with the fact that the chocolate he buys is from ‘The National Chocolate Company’ in Colombia (which is their 5th largest employer and a leader in providing fair wages and labor conditions for its employees), equals a chocolate your mind can feel good about.
Anybody who pays this much attention to his or her decisions is sure to make a well-crafted chocolate. The company’s 12 years of successful operation can be credited to Brian’s application of his personal philosophy to his business, while making wholesome, natural food that he can feel good about sharing with others. “Eat your greens,” has never sounded so good.



-Melinda Feucht