While area sweets connoisseurs crave everything from sea salt caramels to Dubai chocolate bars and hazelnut milk chocolate gianduja, Rebecca Flynn’s handcrafted truffles remain an ultimate favorite across the Chippewa Valley.

Currently producing her confections at Forage Kitchen downtown Eau Claire, the owner of Sweet Driver Chocolates maintains deep local roots. After all, it’s where she was born and raised!

“I KNEW RIGHT THEN THAT CHOCOLATE WAS MY PASSION.”
– REBECCA FLYNN, SWEET DRIVER CHOCOLATES

Over the years she’s operated pop-up shops, a full restaurant and bakery and studio spaces all across Eau Claire. Rebecca stepped away toward retirement more than once, yet the irresistible allure of the chocolate craft has brought her right back to the kitchen.

“I’ve always loved to cook and bake,” Rebecca said. “I was a trained private chef and on a whim, bought a book on chocolates. I knew right then that chocolate was my passion.”

HAND-CRAFTED CONFECTIONS

Truffles have consistently been her top seller at The Local Store, giving her complete creative freedom from hand-painting molds to crafting inventive flavor pairings. She is currently developing a lime-infused mango truffle to introduce at the downtown Eau Claire storefront.

Paying tribute to the local milestones that have molded her confectionery business, Sweet Driver Chocolates continues to thrive on flavors combinations that push traditional confectionery boundaries.

“I used to do chocolate sauces – like a malted milk chocolate and an orange caramel sauce. I’d love to do those again,” Rebecca said.

“Working with chocolate makes me complete,” she continued. “I love the emotions it can elicit. ... I’ve sat and celebrated as well as given a shoulder to cry on for my customers. What other product can do it all.”

Enjoy a treat (or many) from Sweet Drivers Chocolates ($9.50+/item) in person at The Local Store (205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire). Keep up with new creations from Rebecca Flynn on social media (@sweetdriver).