For nearly 25 years, Robert Kingsbury has transformed a passion for chocolate into a business rooted in craftsmanship, creativity and connection. Founded in November 2001 with a storefront in Old Town Alexandria, Kingsbury Chocolates now operates from Arlington, where Kingsbury creates handmade confections, hosts pop-up events and participates in markets throughout Northern Virginia.
As chocolatier and owner, Kingsbury oversees every aspect of the business. From sourcing ingredients and packaging to creating confections, coordinating sales events and managing marketing, he remains deeply involved in every step of the process. That hands-on approach is reflected in chocolates crafted with careful attention to flavor, texture and quality.
One standout product is his fleur de sel caramel. Made with butter and Madagascar vanilla, dipped in couverture-grade chocolate and finished with sea salt, the caramel showcases the detail-oriented approach that defines his work. Every recipe is developed in-house. Some came together quickly, while others took months to perfect.
Kingsbury connected with Arlington’s BizLaunch program after moving to Arlington and expanding into wholesale sales for local retailers. “I found value in the wide range of classes available to small business owners, many of them offered at the Arlington Central Library,” said Kingsbury. For entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities, he said, that level of support can make a significant difference.
One of Kingsbury’s favorite customer memories highlights the personal connections behind his business. “Several years ago, a father and his 9-year-old son, Mitchell, visited from Hawaii. An enthusiastic chocolate fan, Mitchell asked thoughtful questions about nearly every confection and toured Kingsbury’s kitchen. Weeks later, Kingsbury received a postcard featuring a photo from their visit and a note referring to him as “the king” of Kingsbury Chocolates. The postcard still hangs on my corkboard today,” said Kingsbury.
Arlington has become much more than a place to do business for Kingsbury. He values the community centers, libraries, trails and recreational amenities available to residents. He currently takes swimming lessons at Long Bridge Aquatics Center and plays pickleball at Walter Reed Community Center. For him, getting involved is one of the best ways to appreciate a community and all it has to offer.
Kingsbury credits his grandparents as his most influential mentors. Their guidance, kindness, work ethic and unwavering support helped shape both his personal outlook and his approach to business.
As he approaches his 25th anniversary, Kingsbury has no plans to slow down. Pop-ups and market events allow him to curate seasonal offerings, experiment with new flavor combinations and focus on the creative side of the business.
“I love what I do,” he said. “I always want to have chocolate in my life, and [to share it with] the people who enjoy the confections I create.”
For more information about BizLaunch, including information on free business resources, visit: www.bizlaunch.org.
For more information about Kingsbury Chocolates visit: www.kingsburychocolates.square.site or his Facebook, Instagram or Bluesky pages at @kingsburychocolates.
