Joseph Schmidt Confections was aSan Francisco-basedchocolatier, which created gourmet confections with imported Belgian chocolate.[1] The line of confections includedtruffles of various sizes, slicks, and mosaics. Joseph Schmidt confections ceased operations in 2009.[2][3]
Joseph Schmidt Confections was started in San Francisco during 1983. Joseph Schmidt, a European-trained baker, opened the store with his partner Audrey Ryan, a European-trained confectioner, and together, they sold baked goods and chocolates. Joseph Schmidt's signature egg-shaped truffle was the company's trademark.[2]
In 1985, Joseph and Audrey brought in two partners to grow the business: Jeff Smith, a successful restaurateur and veteran ofNestle, and Duane Papierniak, an engineer. They continued to run the company until 2005, growing the business both nationally and internationally.[2] At different times, Joseph Schmidt products were available in suchdepartment stores asHarrods andSelfridges in theLondon,David Jones in Australia,Takashimaya inTokyo, and a variety of locations in Canada. Their retail availability in North America included department stores such asNeiman Marcus,Macy's,Bloomingdales, andSaks Fifth Avenue, and gourmet grocery stores such asWhole Foods,Trader Joe's and theFresh Market, as well as other independent stores.[2]
The company had stores in theCastro neighborhood of San Francisco, and inSan Jose.[3]
In November 2005, Joseph Schmidt Confections was purchased by Artisan Confections Company, aHershey subsidiary, which had previously purchasedScharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, an artisanal chocolate manufacturer in nearbyBerkeley, California.[4] In November 2006 Artisan Confections purchasedDagoba, anAshland, Oregon-based manufacturer of organic chocolate.[4] Hershey's later began to consolidate the production of Scharffen Berger products in an upgraded factory inRobinson, Illinois.[2] In early 2009 Hershey's announced plans to eliminate the Joseph Schmidt brand.[4] By July 2009 both the production facility and retail store on 16th Street inSan Francisco closed, laying off approximately 150 local employees.[5]