Kokak Chocolates to bring "grown-up chocolates of your childhood" to Castro

Kokak Chocolates to bring "grown-up chocolates of your childhood" to CastroKokak Chocolates will be opening at 3091 18th St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Steven Bracco
Published on August 15, 2019

Signs have appeared in the windows of 3901 18th Street (at Sanchez St.), announcing Kokak Chocolates will open in the space in early 2020.

The new business comes nearly two years after Cafe ÚB closed its doors, and the building underwent a seismic retrofit.

Sign announcing Kokak Chocolates. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

While Kokak Chocolates will be taking over one of the building's two vacant retail spaces, the second storefront, previously occupied by Sky Nails (3903 18th St.) remains vacant and for lease.

Hoodline reached out to Kokak Chocolates for comment, but did not receive a response.

According to its website, Kokak Chocolates was founded four years ago by chocolatier Carol Gancia.

Kokak Chocolates' Carol Gancia. | Photo: Kokak Chocolates/Instagram

Gancia is also the founder of Burlingame-based video production company Ripplemakers, Inc. She was twice awarded a Northern California Emmy for KQED's Check, Please! Bay Area, in 2016 and 2017.

Gancia describes Kokak Chocolates as "the grown-up chocolates of your childhood."

She explains, "It's chocolate frogs and tropical pond life combined with beautiful Asian-themed designs in a giftable box."

Photo: Kokak Chocolates/Instagram

Kokak Chocolates currently has four flavors: mango milk chocolate, passion fruit milk chocolate, matcha white chocolate and caramel butter.

The store also promises to sell sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Planned drink options include coffee, tea, espresso and cold brew.

Kokak Chocolates will be right across the street from Le Marais Bakery, which opened in the former Samovar Tea Lounge space in 2017.

As we learn more details about the new store, we'll keep you updated.