Welcome to the first in a series of stories featuring different businesses that have relocated to Bellevue over the past year. Different business owners share the reasons behind their decision to relocate, how they ultimately chose Bellevue, and their experiences with the Bellevue community.
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Chocolat Abeille owner Tina Tweedy faced some difficult choices in March 2020 as businesses across the country slowly started to shut their doors. Tweedy opened Chocolat Abeille in Omaha’s Old Market in December of 2017 and, up to that point, business was good. “We had a quaint 900 square foot space with an entrance on 11th street and in the Passageway. We made all the chocolates in-house and met local customers, as well as visitors from around the country and the world,” Tweedy said.
Customers had often inquired about shipping options for the chocolates, but the shop was not set up for shipping. Then along came Covid. The storefront closed and they were left with few other options, except to start shipping. “In order to keep business going, we transitioned to online sales and shipping. That really took off, and we knew once we reopened our doors, if we were going to continue shipping our chocolates, we’d need a bigger space. The Old Market building we were in was historic and beautiful, but we needed the room to expand in a space with an updated air conditioning system and more power available for additional machines.”
Having lived in Bellevue for more than a decade, Tweedy already had her eye on their current location along Cornhusker Road. “The entire Richmont Point plaza is just lovely and well done. I knew this space would be wonderful being on the west end near the creek. I liked that we were the first tenants in the space, so we were able to design it specifically for our needs. The outdoor patio was a huge draw as well because we are able to grow flowers and herbs to use in our chocolates, as well as provide an oasis in the city where people can enjoy their chocolates and tea.”
Chocolat Abeille officially opened in Bellevue on July 21, 2021. Since then, Tweedy’s business has grown exponentially. They were able to retain their Omaha customers while gaining many new customers from the Bellevue area. With the increased production space they have been able to fill large corporate orders, as well as continue shipping chocolates from October thru May.
According to Tweedy, Chocolat Abeille has been ‘wholeheartedly embraced’ by the Bellevue community. “It has been wonderful to see how so many people are rooting for us and wanting us to succeed. They buy our chocolates as gifts for family and friends to introduce them to our business and our product. The community has shown enthusiasm, support, and kindness since the day we opened. We are so delighted to be here!”
Over the past year, Tweedy shared that, while there have been many high points for the business, the one most special to her is the growth of her team and getting to work every day with exceptional people. “The creativity and passion these women have brought to our business is helping to take it to the next level. Our staff is really a reflection of the Bellevue community – people who were born and raised here, military families, students, and those searching for their future career path. We’re excited to grow along with Bellevue!”
Tweedy also mentioned they have been pleasantly surprised by the large number of out-of-town people who have driven to their new location after finding out they relocated. “We are so grateful for this support and so excited to introduce Bellevue to guests who may not have otherwise come to the city.”
Chocolat Abeille is located at 555 Cornhusker Road, Suite 210. They are open Monday thru Friday from 10am til 5pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. They are closed on Sundays. They can be reached by phone at (402) 315-9006 or through their website at chocolatabeille.com.
