Porterville, CA – On Thursday, January 29, 2026, Stafford's Chocolates, California's premier artisan chocolate maker, proudly announced its long-awaited expansion into the Central Valley.
“Our expansion into Exeter demonstrates our family’s commitment to this region—coffee brings us together, while chocolate keeps us longer,” said Rob Taylor, owner of Stafford's Chocolates.
Planning for the new location began in 2024, following the Taylor family’s successful acquisition of Reimer’s Candies, Gifts & Ice Cream in December 2023. The opportunity to expand into Exeter arose quickly when a space previously occupied by a coffee shop became available in December 2025. A five-week scramble during the busy holiday season led to Stafford’s Chocolates opening its Exeter location with a soft opening on January 5, 2026. This ‘local and low-key’ event allowed the townspeople of Exeter to experience the down-home, locally owned charm that Stafford's is known for in Porterville.
A grand opening is planned for just after Valentine’s Day and will feature many more chocolates on display than are currently available in the store.
The Taylor family has successfully developed and maintained over 60 local jobs, and with the addition of 8 new positions in Exeter, their total employee count now exceeds 70.
For those familiar with Stafford's in Porterville, the new Exeter location at 123 N E Street, Suite #101, will offer many of the same delicious products, coffees, and flavors. Since opening in December, Rob Taylor and his staff have noticed that many customers are family, friends, and business associates traveling from both the North and South Valleys to meet in the middle. As it turns out, Exeter is that ‘middle.’
Stafford's Chocolates is open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 5 PM and is closed on Sundays.
About Stafford's Chocolates:
Founded in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, Stafford's Chocolates is known for handcrafting premium confections using traditional methods, fine ingredients, and a commitment to creativity. From time-honored recipes to bold new creations like the Dubai Chocolate Bar, Stafford's continues to redefine what chocolate can be.
In December 2023, the Taylor family acquired Reimer’s Candies, Gifts & Ice Cream, located at 42375 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA; 93271, 324 Front Street, Avila Beach, CA; 93424, and 41969 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA. And online at www.reimerscandies.com.
Additionally, the family owns Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates, located at 1445 Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo, CA, and online at www.MamaGanache.com, with Head Chocolatier / Co-Owner Chef Ben Taylor overseeing its operations.
The Taylors also co-own the Swedish Candy Factory with Amy Freedman, Rob Taylor’s Sister, located at 485 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA 93463 and online at www.swedishcandyfactory.com.
The Taylors continue their tradition of producing only the finest organic, fair-trade chocolates, including vegan-friendly and soy-free options. Chef Ben Taylor, a 2016 graduate of the International Culinary Center in San Francisco, creates his own chocolates and confections, committed to using only the finest fair-trade and organic ingredients sourced through direct trade.
For more information, press only:
Russ Parsley
The Fulton Group
559.917.6001
rparsley@FultonGroupFresno.com
For more information on Stafford’s Chocolates: www.StaffordsChocolates.com
For interview scheduling, Press only:
Rob Taylor, CEO
Stafford’s Chocolates
559-784-6640
rob@StaffordsChocolates.com