This statement from Dwight Barnes captures this man's passion for chocolate. For 50 years, Dwight Barnes has worked as a professional photographer. He grew up in Appleton, Minnesota and after studying photography in Cokato he bought a studio in Willmar.  But he found his love for chocolate launched him into a second career as a chocolatier.

He started out simply enough, making chocolates for his 11 children and 20 plus grandchildren at Christmas and Holidays.  He was an active member of the North American Console of Professional Photographers and started the World Console of Professional Photographers in Europe and was it's president from 1986-1990. He traveled throughout Europe with the World Console and visiting his children, through these visits he made many connections in the different countries. Mr. Barnes frequented many of Europe's best bakeries and shops in search of the most mouthwatering, richest chocolate in the world. During his travels, he began to take an interest in becoming a chocolatier and selling these fine European chocolates in the United States. Finally, on a trip to Antwerp, Belgium, he happened on "the best chocolatier in the world," Mr. Hans Burie. Dwight convinced the owner to mentor him, and he spent 3 months in hands-on training, learning how to make this fine chocolate from scratch.

We have won several awards and the "Taste Of Chocolate" in Bloomington and picked "Best Chocolate" voted by Star & Tribune. Our best award is our customer satisfaction.

The key to Mr. B's success is that his hand-molded chocolates are made from the highest-quality ingredients, imported from around the world. There are no preservatives in the chocolates he produces, only pure chocolate and other flavorful ingredients. Mr. B uses "Callebaut" Chocolate, imported from Belgium and the ingredients for the centers of the pralines are made from fresh Minnesota dairy cream, European style butter from Pennsylvania, marzipan from Germany, wild strawberries and cherries from Italy, vanilla beans from Madagascar, flavorings and cocoa butter from Switzerland, cocoa powered from Holland and candied flower petals from France.

Mr. B. Chocolatier was started as a family business and continues as a family business even with the retirement of Chocolatier Dwight Barnes in 2007. Mr. Barnes transferred the chocolate business to his granddaughter, Danielle George and her husband Ian. The business will continue in the tradition of providing quality, European style chocolates and looks forward to many years of continued service to its loyal customers.