Osceola County just got some sweet news.

Schakolad Chocolate Factory, the European Style Handmade Chocolate Franchise, is opening its international headquarters in Old Town, 5720 W. U.S. Highway 192, the Osceola County Economic Development Department announced Monday.

The 8,300-square-foot location will function as the company’s corporate offices as well as the franchise training center, a working chocolate factory, an open-to-the-public retail boutique and an interactive chocolate attraction with a window to the chocolate making process.

The headquarters and training center will be completed first, followed by the museum/retail facility that is expected to open for business by September, creating approximately 15 new jobs in Osceola County.

“The attraction corridor is perfect for our business expansion which will include a one-of-a-kind chocolate-themed museum and chocolate bar with incredible offerings,” said Edgar Schaked, President of Schakolad Chocolate Factory.

Customers will be introduced to the world of chocolate as they learn about the rich history, growing, science, pop culture and productions process while winding through an interactive experience culminating into a viewing of the factory and chocolate makers in action.

And, when the smells of fresh chocolate and the tempting imagery are just not enough, customers can immerse themselves in everything chocolate – to eat.  The chocolate retail boutique will offer old favorites, gourmet creations, plus some new specialty products that will be introduced with the launch of the facility.

Chocolatier and business owner, Edgar Schaked, comes from three generations of chocolate making that began in Argentina. The first Schakolad Chocolate Factory store opened in 1995 in Winter Park. In 1999, Schaked began franchising the company’s unique system with its mission to create the finest and freshest chocolates, made on premise, using the finest available ingredients. Franchise education offered from this location will prepare franchise owners with specialized training along with a marketing plan that adds value, creating national and international awareness as the producers of fine quality chocolates.

“Schakolad is both a local chocolate expert and active, philanthropic participant. He has committed to keeping this goal in the forefront. Old Town is a perfect location for this endeavor, accessible to both locals and tourists. Osceola County welcomes ‘Project Brown Bean,’ ” said Commissioner Michael Harford.

Revised land development code signals county open for business

Approval of a key amendment to Osceola County’s Land Development Code (LDC) on Monday paved the way for a more cost effective, efficient and innovative way for citizens to conduct business.

The changes to the code, part of a year-long project to update the LDC, include:

• Overhauling and streamlining development processes and procedures. For example, a Conditional Use application which previously took approximately 120 days to complete will now be processed in approximately 45 days.

• Increasing the number of permits which can be administratively approved, rather than having to receive approval through a public hearing process, shortening the public approval time by 90 days.

• Increasing staff’s ability to approve Administrative Waivers from the current 10 percent limitation to up to 15 percent for variances in development standards such as lot width, lot area and building setbacks.

Eliminating redundancy and creating a more efficient development process makes sense, said developer Jim Cooper, president of Cooper Development and a past president of the Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando.

“I have always enjoyed working in Osceola,” Cooper said. “Osceola County has really been on the cutting edge. The county staff and commissioners are very customer friendly and willing to think outside of the box. They like to see things happen that are good for the county, increase the tax base and create more jobs. The LDC revisions are another step in the right direction.”

With Monday’s approval, an applicant would have the opportunity to develop property in accordance with the current Land Development Code until Oct. 1, when the new rules will take effect.

“The current language within the Osceola Land Development Code is often confusing,” said Commission Chairman John Quiñones. “This effort allows us to respond to the needs of our citizens in the most cost effective, efficient way possible. I look forward to the completion of this process as Osceola County continues to cement its reputation as a progressive, business friendly community.”

The new chapter of the LDC is consistent with the goals and objectives of the county’s strategic plan including, delivering county services in an efficient and cost effective manner; as well as consolidating services to increase quality and cost effectiveness.