Inspired by a life-changing trip to Paris, Fran Bigelow opened her first shop, Fran’s Patisserie and Chocolate Specialties, in Seattle’s Madison Valley in 1982. Cakes and pastries were the focus in the early days. As her reputation grew, so did the lines of customers. During the holidays when wait times were especially long, Fran treated her guests to freshly made chocolate truffles. An immediate success, these pure chocolate confections soon became the heart of Fran’s business.
In the 41 years since, Fran has built a loyal following around her elegant mastery of chocolate. Recognized as a pioneer of the artisanal chocolate movement, Fran has been named The best overall chocolatier in the United States by The Book of Chocolate, and Outstanding Fine Chocolatier — North America by the Fine Chocolate Industry Association. Many of her products have won national awards for innovation and quality, and Fran has been inducted into the Specialty Food Association Hall of Fame.
Fran continues to find immense satisfaction in sharing the joy of pure chocolate with her customers. Confections are handmade at her production facility in Seattle’s historic Georgetown neighborhood, where her team creates rich truffles, chocolate-covered fruits and nuts, and signature salted caramels from only the highest-quality ingredients. Each ingredient is essential to the quality of our chocolates, and we are committed to the highest standards of ethical sourcing through lasting and transparent relationships with our suppliers and Organic and Fairtrade certifications. Learn more about our Ingredients and Sourcing.
Over the years, the love of chocolate has become a family affair, with Fran’s daughter Andrina now working alongside her as CEO, and her son Dylan as Director of Chocolate, carrying the tradition of excellence forward into a new generation.
The Early Years
After receiving a Business Administration degree from the University of Washington, Fran Bigelow is inspired by a life-changing visit to France and enrolls in the California Culinary Academy professional program
1982
Fran’s Patisserie and Chocolate Specialties opens in Seattle’s Madison Valley
1986
The original ten Starbucks stores carry Fran’s signature Almond Gold Bar
1988
Julia Child visits Fran and her team at the Madison Valley store
1989
Williams Sonoma begins carrying Fran’s Gold Bars
1992
Production moves to Pike St. on Seattle’s Capitol Hill
1996
The Book of Chocolate recognizes Fran Bigelow as “The best overall chocolatier in the United States”
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Second boutique opens in nearby Bellevue
1998
Third boutique opens in Seattle’s University Village shopping center
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Fran’s Gray Salt Caramel is introduced
2001
Fran's son, Dylan, becomes Director of Chocolate
2003
Gray Salt Caramel wins the NASFT Outstanding Confection Award
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Fran’s Smoked Salt Caramel is introduced
2004
Fran releases her Pure Chocolate cookbook, a James Beard Award finalist
“Best Chocolate Cookbook” -Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
“Top Ten Cookbooks of 2004” -Food and Wine
2005
Smoked Salt Caramel wins the NASFT Outstanding Confection Award
2007
Fran’s daughter, Andrina, joins the business as CEO
2008
A New York Times article about then-Senator Barack Obama’s favorite things includes Fran’s Smoked Salt Caramels
A Fran’s presidential gift box will be presented to Oval Office guests through 2017
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Four Seasons boutique opens in downtown Seattle
2009
Fran named “Outstanding Fine Chocolatier – North America” by the Fine Chocolate Industry Association
2010
Martha Stewart Living recognizes Fran as a Tastemaker: Culinary Artisans
2011
Bobby Flay picks Fran’s Coconut Gold Bar for the Food Network’sThe Best Thing I Ever Ate: Season’s Eatings
2014
Production and flagship store move to LEED Platinum-certified facility in the original Ranier Brewery building in Seattle’s historic Georgetown
2016
Fran is inducted into the Port Wine Brotherhood (Confraria do Vinho do Porto)
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Many of Fran’s products receive Organic and Fairtrade certifications
2018
Fran Bigelow is inducted into the Specialty Food Association Hall of Fame
2019
Fran’s Kyoto storefront opens in partnership with Japan’s BAL
2024
Fran's partners with LAIKA for the 15th anniversary release of the iconic stop-motion film Coraline by launching limited-edition Cocoa Beetles, Salted Caramels, and Pure Bars
2025
Ina Garten recommends Fran's Salted Caramels as her go-to hostess gift
Fran’s Chocolates has been featured in
Gourmet Magazine • The Today Show • The New York Times • O, The Oprah Magazine • Vogue Japan • Forbes Life • InStyle Magazine Cook’s Illustrated • The Food Network • USA Today • OK! Magazine • CBS Early Show • Ladies’ Home Journal • Martha Stewart Living Family Circle • People Magazine • Good Housekeeping • The Food Network • Food & Wine Magazine • Seattle Bride Magazine The Times, UK • Epicurious • Business Insider • The Chicago Tribune • The Seattle Times • NBC News • TV Osaka • Jeopardy
