A hobby that outgrew the kitchen
Casa Chocolates began in a home kitchen, a pastime for a retired engineer that took on a life of its own. Demand for the chocolate grew until the business needed more hands than one.
Made by Derik Swee · San Antonio
Grown there.
Grown there.
Made here.
Casa is one of only 200 to 300 shops in the U.S. that make chocolate from the bean, and the only one in San Antonio.
2014Founded in a home kitchen
200 to 300U.S. bean-to-bar shops. Casa is one.
6Countries of origin
16Bars, made by hand
From pastry school to the roaster
Derik Swee joined after earning his degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from The Culinary Institute of America. He spent a year and a half learning the craft of single-origin, bean-to-bar chocolate alongside the founder.
Keeping the legacy going
When the time was right, Derik took ownership of the shop with a partner to keep Casa alive. Today every bar is still roasted, ground, tempered and wrapped by hand on Bitters Road.
Fair trade · Ethically sourced · Organically grown
One origin at a time.
Uganda, the Dominican Republic, Peru, India, and our one Signature Blend of Vietnam and Ecuador. Each bar tastes like where it grew.
Taste them
What bean to bar means
From cacao bean to finished bar, under one roof.
- 01
Sourced
Cacao chosen one origin at a time.
- 02
Roasted
Roasted, winnowed, and melanged in house.
- 03
Made
Tempered and poured by hand in small batches.
- 04
Wrapped
Sleeved, packaged, and labeled in house.
“Chocolate makes me happy. I find happiness in seeing new customers’ faces light up with real pleasure when they come in and try the chocolate for the first time.”Derik Swee, owner and chocolate maker
In the press
Voyage San AntonioHidden Gems: Meet Derik Swee of Casa ChocolatesRead the interview →
EpsonHow Casa Chocolates brought its labels in-houseRead the story →
Member of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association
Member of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association
What’s next
Beyond the bar.
“We’re looking forward to expanding beyond bars to offer truffles, fudge, bonbons, peanut butter cups and other chocolate sweets,” Derik told Epson. Sign up and you’ll hear first.