10 Mar Peace by Chocolate
The heart-warming emotion I felt last week, walking into the new #PeacebyChocolate location (at the Queen’s Marque building on the Halifax waterfront) was nothing short of astonishment.
To me, the is the epitome of a true immigration success story; and what happens when you mix talent, heart and a helping-hand from the local people. I wish for it to be the blueprint of every refugee and newcomer!
For nearly 30 years, Peace by Chocolate has been successfully shipping special treats all over the Middle East and Europe; back in 2012, the Hadhad family lost their chocolate factory in Damascus, Syria.
When the Hadhad family arrived to Canada, things started to turn around; their dream finally came true with the support of the Antigonish community.
Today, their passion for chocolate is shared with the community of Antigonish, the people of Nova Scotia — and all around the world!
The chocolate shop will employ many people for the summer months and for the Christmas season. I know passerby’s and visitors (such as cruise ships) will come to know the Hadhad family’s story, and how their business evolved and flourished.
The new Halifax location offers a big range of services, chocolate and beverages, such as: hot chocolate, coffee, ice cream and other desserts! 🍦
Their packaging also comes in many different languages — which sparked my interest as someone who loves languages. It also showcases the wonderful diversity in our small city.
The new space has a Syrian design with a modern twist — you can see this in their chocolate as well, as it is a blend of Syrian fillings and ingredients, such as: nuts, fruits and spices 🍫
My staff and I also had a chance to chat with the owner, Tareq Hadhad, and present him with a congratulatory certificate for his business!
Fun fact: The painting (within the album) of Tareq’s father, took 300 hours to complete!
Congratulations to the Hadhad family ❤️ I hope everyone already knows their story, or comes to learn it. If you’d like to hear more about the Hadhad’s journey, please read the book, ‘Peace by Chocolate: The Hadhad Family’s Remarkable Journey from Syria to Canada.’
I can’t wait to stop and have some ice cream with my family in the summer!
📍Location: 1741 Lower Water Street.
📸: Photos by: Zeina Klayme, CA