We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Logan McDaniel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am a Certified Specialist of Wine and I was a wine rep for over a decade in the Upstate. I started making chocolates as a hobby with my niece. After a few years experimenting with flavor profiles I began gifting my chocolates to a few of my chefs and restauranteurs. The response was always, “you should be doing something with this”. So I took a few classes, quit my job, became a Maitre Chocolatier, and launched LaRue Fine Chocolate in 2015. I opened a brick and mortar at Poe West in The Village of West Greenville in 2020, which is a long story including that no one writes “global pandemic” into their business plan. But 4 years later and we are still standing and about to open a second location at The Commons at Unity Park. It all sort of unfolded very naturally. I always thought I would end up owning my own business. That isn’t to say that it is easy.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I love the space I created. When you walk into LaRue Fine Chocolate you feel welcomed and comforted and happy. It’s a beautiful space. My staff is friendly and welcoming. We have amazing cocktails and wine, food, and of course, fabulous chocolate truffles. I love our chocolates. I believe my background in wine, spending so many years thinking about the different tasting profiles of wine and what wine pairs best with which foods, is really what sets my chocolates apart from other chocolates. I want each bite to unfold in your mouth like a good wine. I want it to tell you a story and put a smile on your face.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well there are so many great places, where to begin? Coffee spots, all of them-I love Unlocked, Village Grind, Methodical, Day Drinkers, Coffee Coffee, Due South.
Lunch-Pita House, Comal 864, El Ca-fe Empanadas, Aryana, Maria’s Kitchen at The Drop-In Store, Stella’s, Automatic Taco, GB&D
Dinner/Lunch/Drinks-Topsoil (especially the Chef’s tasting menu on Sunday night), Sushi Yama, Anchorage, Bar Margaret, Jones Oyster House, Larkin’s, Camp
I love going to Greenbrier Farms for their Thursday night Pizza night AND if there is a Upick at Sassafrass Flower Farm on the same evening THAT is even more special.
MJudson is hands down one of the best bookstores on Earth and we are so very lucky to have it right here! And you have to go to one of their dinners or lunches because Teryi Youngblood is their Chef and she is amazing!
You have to visit the Saturday Market in downtown Greenville on Main Street. There are really great makers and farmers and producers…grab a juice from Kuka Juice and take home some lasagna from NakedPasta. Take a walk or a bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Visit some breweries-I’m a fan of Fire Forge and Carolina Bauernhaus. The Community Tap at all 3 of it’s locations is just one of the best places to grab a beer or a glass of wine. LaRue Fine Chocolate for our cocktails and chocolates. Go to Six and Twenty for a Distillery Tour. Walk through Falls Park by the river. Visit Art Bomb or the GCCA or some of the other fascinating artists that we have in The Village. Go check out a show at The Peace Center or for local humor Cafe and Then Some.
I could actually keep you busy for a month!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Gosh, there are so many people that would deserve recognition for helping me along the way. I am so very fortunate to have good people in my life. I grew up in the 70’s & 80’s and I remember my parents saying that I was really one of the first generations of females that could truly be whatever I wanted to be and do whatever I wanted to do with my life and I should never take that for granted. I have an awesome supportive husband. I have a fabulous group of lady friends that all own their own businesses. I have a strong network of other business owners that I feel comfortable reaching out to for advice. I have leaned on the SCORE mentorship, SBA, and SBDC mentors that we are fortunate enough to have in the Upstate.

Website: www.laruefinechocolate.com

Instagram: LaRue Fine Chocolate

Facebook: LaRue Fine Chocolate

Yelp: LaRue Fine Chocolate

Image Credits
Jackie Ellison and Brogan Jackson

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