The sweet smell of success – and chocolate and coffee – was in the air on a recent afternoon at the newly expanded ZuZu Chocolates in Westlake. With more than 100 chocolate lovers and supporters in attendance, Tamara Mlynowski officially opened the doors to her expanded shop. The ribbon-cutting was a celebration of growth, vision --and delicious innovation.

For Tamara, a season six Chain Reaction Cleveland semi-finalist, the journey to this larger location has been years in the making. What started as a small, three-day-a-week chocolate shop has blossomed into a full-fledged experience.

“Our original shop was only about 900 square feet. It was cozy but limiting,” Tamara shared. “This new space gives us so much room to bring our ideas to life.”

The new ZuZu Chocolate is more than just a place to buy handcrafted confections—it’s an immersive experience. Think Willy Wonk’s Chocolate Factory, but more chic.

Customers are greeted by the mesmerizing sight of a chocolate fountain built right into the counter. “It’s a showstopper,” Tamara said, pointing out the flowing chocolate that’s used for freshly dipped strawberries made on the spot.

In addition to the chocolate, the ZuZu offers locally sourced coffee, artisan gelato and even affogatos. “We wanted to bring that special touch here,” Tamara explained.

With families in mind, Tamara included a dedicated kids’ play area, ensuring that parents can sip their lattes while their little ones have fun. “We listened to our customers over the past few years. They wanted a space where they could relax with their kids, so we made it happen,” she said.

One of the shop’s biggest new features is the truffle bar where customers can create custom boxes of truffles. “Before, we only offered prepackaged truffles. Now, it’s all about choice and personalization. People love it,” Tamara said. The shop is also gearing up to sell pints of their gelato.

What sets ZuZu Chocolate apart isn’t just the quality of its treats—it’s Tamara’s dedication to giving back. Inspired by her personal journey, she’s made Alzheimer’s education and fundraising a core part of ZuZu’s mission. “It’s such a personal cause for me,” she said. “My mom’s journey with Alzheimer’s has shaped how I see the world. I want to do what I can to support other families and caregivers.”

Tamara plans to host special events and classes to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, as well as offer caregiver-friendly workshops at the shop. “I want ZuZu to be a place of inclusion and comfort—a space where caregivers can take a breather and feel supported,” she shared.

The expansion has brought more opportunities for Mlynowski family. With 16 employees already on board, Tamara is currently hiring baristas and preparing for extended hours. “We’ve been so lucky to build a phenomenal team. It’s like a family here—siblings, moms and daughters—it’s a supportive, tight-knit group,” she said. 

The shop’s visibility has also improved, moving from a hidden corner spot to a location with street-level exposure. “It’s amazing how many people are discovering us for the first time. We’re finally on the map,” she added. 

Tamara credits Chain Reaction for helping her progress ZuZu to the next level.

"Chain Reaction was a great experience—it helped me learn new processes, connect with other business owners, and navigate challenges together. The camaraderie and shared learning were invaluable; I recommend it to others all the time."

The future is bright for ZuZu Chocolate. Tamara plans to start hosting chocolate-making classes in January, a long-time dream. “We want to offer something interactive and fun. Classes will let people learn and create their own treats,” she said.

She is also exploring partnerships to offer farm-fresh flowers in the shop and considering a second location or even a ghost kitchen. “We’re taking it one step at a time. Growth is exciting, but we want to do it thoughtfully,” she said.

With chocolate, coffee, gelato, a passion for giving back and even more on the horizon, ZuZu’s expansion is delicious example of what happens when dreams (and chocolate fountains) flow freely.

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