Company specializes in homemade chocolate

Chocolate covered strawberries, designer chocolate bars and a Key lime truffle are a few of the offerings available at Irresistible Confections in south Fort Myers.

The company, which recently changed its name from For The Love of Chocolate, specializes in selling the best homemade chocolates.

That's according to owner Justin Schaffer who makes every piece of chocolate himself.

"We do it all. Boxes, baskets, printed ribbons and party favors for weddings or birthdays," said Schaffer. He first started working with chocolate as a young boy.

His mother, Tammy, worked in the restaurant industry for years and passed her interest onto her two children.

"As kids my sister and I had Confectionary Kids and then it got a new name and I started running it," Schaffer said. "Everybody loves chocolate so it's always been successful."

Success for Schaffer has meant being able to start looking for a retail location to replace the current location off Beacon Boulevard.

"The first of the year we should be able to move somewhere," said Schaffer who uses a kitchen in the building to make his creations. "We make everything fresh and it has to be consumed quickly ... we need a place with space for the kitchen."

The kitchen is where all the activity takes place at Irresistible Confections. The chocolate treats are made, packaged based on customers needs, and then delivered for a small fee.

"We do dessert trays, strawberry bouquets and we can put a picture on a piece of chocolate," he said.

But Schaffer's customer base isn't limited to just party planners, business professionals in the area are major fans.

"It's a great way to show your appreciation or get new clients and a lot of businesses will send a basket or chocolate sample to offices," said Glen Schaffer, the owner's father.

He helps at the shop with miscellaneous tasks when necessary.

"Everything is a little better with chocolate and it's a good way to get your foot in the door. Inexpensive way to make an impression."

Leaving that lasting impression is why Justin Schaffer takes the time to speak to each client, create a sample and have them choose what they want.

"We customize everything and we are a family-owned business so we have no restrictions," Justin Schaffer said.