Famed Montreal chocolatier soon opening first Toronto location

A Montreal-based chocolatier born from French confectionery traditions is gearing up to open its first-ever Toronto location.

Here in Ontario, the name Jeff de Bruges may mean little, but hop over our eastern border and you'll find nary a chocoholic who isn't familiar with the chocolate chain's work.

Founded in 1986 by the somewhat confusingly named Philippe Jambon (fear not; chocolate-covered ham has yet to make an appearance on the menu), Jeff de Bruges is a chocolate and ice cream shop rooted in the traditions and techniques of the world's preeminent chocolate cultures: those of Belgium and France.

Nowadays, Jeff de Bruges operates five locations in Quebec, all of which whip up cute-as-a-button chocolate bonbons, bars and even marshmallow-filled bears.

Perhaps the most unique element of Jeff de Bruges' business is its approach to sourcing the very cocoa it uses in its creations. Rather than buying beans at auction or even directly from independent farms, the chocolate company operates its own exclusive cocoa plantations in Ecuador. 

Not only does this allow the company to have complete control over the quality and cost of its products, but it also, most importantly, means Jeff de Bruges has complete control over the pay and treatment of its cocoa farmers.

After decades in La Belle Province, Jeff de Bruges is finally gearing up to give Toronto a taste of what all the hype is about, as the chain prepares to open its first location outside of Quebec in Bloor West Village.

There's no word yet on when the chocolate shop will open, but when it does, it'll be located at 2190 Bloor St. W.