Thu, March 28, 2024

Chocolatier takes a bite out of childhood hunger

Willy Wonka, the most memorable chocolatier of all, said, “So shines a good deed in a weary world.”

Think of James Stefanakos, owner of Agape Chocolates, as the Willy Wonka of Graniteville. His business card reflects his mission. Instead of CEO, it reads CFG or Chief Food Giver. He dedicates 15 percent of his chocolate bar sales to Golden Harvest Food Bank in support of their Backpack Program.

“Our motto is Buy a Bar, Feed a Child,” he said. “Since we opened in 2015, our donations have helped feed close to 70,000 meals to children in the CSRA.”

James Stefanakos lists himself as CFG or Chief Food Giver of Agape Chocolates.

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Stefanakos’ dedication and determination come from strong faith and his family. In 1900 his grandfather immigrated from Greece at the age of 12. He made that trip by himself, in search of the American dream.

Stefanakos attributes his cooking and creating skills to his mother, Juva, who ran a gourmet cooking school in Ohio. For any special occasion, his mother sent chocolates to celebrate a birthday or holiday. When she moved away, James knew he and his family would miss those chocolates.

“That’s when I decided to make my own,” Stefanakos said. “I started with truffles for family and friends and then the orders started rolling in. In 2014, I left my job as an engineer and started working on my business plan. A year later, Agape Chocolates was born.”

Agape Chocolates offers private workshops where groups can make their own chocolate concoctions.

The shop also hosts private workshops twice a month. In true Wonka fashion, he said, “Small groups can come in and view a chocolate paradise, make a chocolate bar and create their own label.”

His shop is located in the Masonic Lodge Shopping Center in Graniteville, but James relies on several area businesses to sell his chocolate bars. For more information on where you can buy his confections visit the Agape Chocolates website. (Link: https://agapechocolates.com/where-to-buy/)

“Partnering with wholesalers is not about lining my pocket but feeding more children,” Stefanakos said. “The Lord led me on this mission and I’m going to do everything I can to make it successful.”

Golden Harvest Food Bank couldn’t be happier about his success. Their Backpack Program helps feed hungry children in the CSRA. Teachers identify those in need and place bags of food in their backpacks.

A portion of the proceeds from Agape Chocolate’s sales go to Golden Harvest Food Bank’s Backpack Program to feed hungry children.

“We are incredibly humbled by the generous support we have received from Mr. Stefanakos and Agape Chocolates over the years,” said Amy Breitmann, President and CEO, of Golden Harvest. “One in 5 children in our service area struggles with hunger and because of partnerships like this, we can provide bags full of healthy food and snacks to children in need.”

There are several popular choices among Agape’s offerings, including the Pecan Pie and the Coastal, featuring caramel wrapped in dark chocolate with a touch of Himalayan salt. But the Juvalicious bar is coming on strong.

“I named this bar in memory of my mother who smiles down on me every day,” Stefanakos said. “It combines her love of dark chocolate and English toffee which I make from scratch. The artwork on the label features her handwriting and a heart she drew from cards she sent my family.”

The Juvalicious candy bar is named for Stefanakos’ mother and features her handwriting and artwork.

There’s no denying that James Stefanakos has a heart for family traditions and making life better in our community. Like Stefanakos’ family before him and Willy Wonka, he is a ‘dreamer of dreams’ while creating a happy reality for hungry children.

Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! 

If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.

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