For some, the pandemic introduced them to unintended new hobbies like learning the technical aspects of sourdough starters. For some it was mainly filled with binge watching the exploits of a seedy zoo in Oklahoma. For Jeanette Gretsh, the owner and head chocolatier of East Raleigh’s Trugalug Chocolate, it was about start over. A divorce from her then-husband led her on a path that would eventually result in Raleigh’s third bean-to-bar chocolate shop. With a passion for chocolate and a connection with the original owners of Alamo Drafthouse, she found what she thought was a perfect space next to the theater.

Gresth shared her winding road to East Raleigh with me after I happened to wandered in, curious about the new chocolate shop that felt like sprung up out of nowhere. Her passion for chocolate exudes from her as she goes over each piece of equipment she has acquired for her chocolate making. As she gives me a tour of the chocolate factory, her deep concern for how chocolate is made also becomes a prominent theme. It’s one of her reasons she decided to turn her beans into chocolate herself.

The shop has plenty of traditional bars for the most discerned chocolate palates. Beans from various locations, all with their own flavor profile, with various percentages of cocoa.

But there’s a whimsical side of the shop too. Bars with pop rocks or cookie bits, confections in the shape of Marvel superheroes or Hello Kitty. All of this showcases Trugalug’s distinctive character from their two bean-to-bar predecessors.

Coffee, wine, beer and a rich and velvety hot chocolate is served at the shop as well, seducing the movie-going crowd.

To have 3 bean to bar chocolatiers puts Oak City in rarified air. What’s more impressive is that each have their own identity, offerings and character. Trugalug Chocolate is scrappy and spirited ones of the bunch. NC State folks should know the type.

Trugalug Chocolate
https://www.trugalug.com
2116 New Bern Ave Ste C, Raleigh, NC 27610