About

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Philosophy

Here at the Chocolate Cartel, we’re obsessed with one thing: Making the best tasting chocolate around. No fluff, no flair, just amazing recipes coupled with some of the finest cacao on the planet. We proudly put people to work, not machines, executing every step by hand.

Real chocolate addicts come back again and again for our stuff. Why? Because our fans are tired of over-priced, mediocre product in a pretty package.

It all started in 2001, when Certified Master Chocolatier and Chef de Cuisine Scott J. Van Rixel opened a quaint chocolate shop in Taos, NM, complete with old jail cells converted to chocolate tasting rooms. His memorable chocolate confections immediately drew wild buzz from locals and visitors from all over. Soon after, his brother, Tim, joined him in New Mexico to continue the mission of creating simple, handmade creations that absolutely speak for themselves. We moved the shop to Albuquerque, NM in 2009 where we continue giving people their fix, one addicting piece at a time.

New Mexico True

We are committed to New Mexico and local partnerships. All of our products are made by people, not machines; and made in a kitchen, not a factory. We do everything by hand in small batches at our shop right on Juan Tabo.

We partner with many local, New Mexico True businesses including: Rasband Dairy, Los Poblanos, Villa Myriam, The Chile Guy, Mr. Moses, K&D Pecans, Heart of the Desert Pistachios, and more! The value that small business partnerships create for the local community its hugely important for keeping the New Mexico economy strong. By patroning a small business like ours, you can be confident that your money is staying in New Mexico!

Community

We take pride in giving back to the community to support a wide variety of causes and interests. We are always open to donating to local schools, charities, and helping organizations. For donation requests, please email info@chocolatecartel.com

In 2018 so far, we have donated thousands of dollars worth of product and support to organizations including: Heading Home, Hope Works, Albuquerque Mountain Rescue, Family Promise, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, A peaceful Habitation, Valencia Country Literacy Council, Teen Challenge of New Mexico, Albuquerque Reads, New Mexico Brain Network, Wings for Life International, National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, Mural Fest 2018, Sandia High School, Christina Kent Childhood Center, Casa Esperanza, and more!

Expansion

We recently opened a new retail location, the Cartel Cafe in Old Town, ABQ. It’s located at 111 Romero St. NW. The Cafe serves coffee, gelato, sorbet, our chocolate confections, and packaged products. We have partnered with a local roasting company, Villa Myriam for our espresso to provide truly the best of what New Mexico has to offer in one place.