Sitting amongst locals in a bustling chocolateria in the middle of Madrid, breakfasting on churros and hot chocolate, Kelly and Giro were struck by a sense of opportunity...
This was a festive shrine to chocolate worship – a place where the appreciation for quality and flavour was paramount, set in a wonderfully social atmosphere, where friends and family, students and workers, people from all walks of life were catching up and indulging in a common love of chocolate.
Whilst eating and drinking their way from Barcelona to Grenada, the burgeoning business idea was given life, tossed around and deliberated upon. It took them a further two years of research and development before the first Chocolateria San Churro was opened on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy in March 2006, a renowned alternative hub of contemporary art, fashion and food. It's offering was unique to the Australian cafe and food retail market, and encapsulated the Spanish tradition of fine chocolate, with a tempting menu that had a broad appeal. It quickly attracted the attention and loyal following of people from all over Melbourne, spurred on by the devoted and often gushy rantings of the Melbourne food press. Within months a second store was opened in Knox City.
The popularity of Chocolateria San Churro has continued to strengthen and grow at an exuberant pace. 2007 saw the first three interstate stores opening in NSW, followed by another in WA in 2008, along with 8 more stores in Melbourne. Today San Churro has 25 stores operating in 4 states. It has been an extraordinary journey, with many awards and accolades along the way. But perhaps most importantly, San Churro has won a place in the hearts and daily lives of Australians, and for that, we couldn't be prouder.
