Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharif Harb.
Hi Sharif, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We actually started about 20 years ago in North Knoxville, selling wholesale chocolates and pastries to local grocery stores and restaurants. That experience taught us a lot about quality, consistency, and what people were really looking for.
Over time, we realized we wanted to create a space where customers could experience our products directly, not just buy them on a shelf. That’s when we shifted our business model and began opening retail coffee shops. Today, we’ve grown to three locations in Knoxville where we bring everything together: artisan chocolates, fresh-baked pastries, and specialty coffee, all under one roof.
It’s been a journey of adapting and evolving, but at the heart of it we’ve stayed focused on the same mission—making high-quality, handcrafted products that bring people joy and create a sense of community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like any small business, we’ve faced our share of challenges. In the early years, building brand recognition and shifting from wholesale to retail meant starting almost from scratch and learning how to operate cafés on top of producing chocolates and pastries. Staffing has also been a constant challenge in the food and beverage world—finding and keeping great people while creating a positive culture takes ongoing effort.
We’ve also had to adapt to changing markets—everything from the 2008 recession to the pandemic forced us to rethink operations, streamline, and sometimes completely pivot the way we served our customers.
But each struggle really shaped who we are today. It pushed us to be more creative, more community-focused, and more committed to quality. Those challenges have become part of our story, and they’ve helped us build a stronger foundation for growth.
We’ve been impressed with Coffee & Chocolate, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Coffee & Chocolate is more than just a café—it’s a place where craft, community, and creativity come together. We specialize in artisan chocolates, hand-painted truffles, French macarons, and freshly baked pastries, all paired with carefully sourced specialty coffees roasted to highlight their unique flavor profiles.
What sets us apart is the combination of craftsmanship and experience. We aren’t just a coffee shop and we aren’t just a chocolate shop—we’re one of the few places where you can find both under one roof, made from scratch, every single day. Our chocolates are hand-painted and designed like little pieces of art, and our pastries are baked fresh daily, so there’s always something that feels indulgent yet approachable.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels both local and elevated. We’ve grown to three Knoxville locations, each with its own personality, but all tied together by the same values: quality, hospitality, and community connection.
If there’s one thing we want people to know, it’s that Coffee & Chocolate is built to be a destination for moments—whether that’s picking up your morning latte, celebrating a wedding with a tower of macarons, or gifting a box of truffles that truly make an impression. Our goal is always to bring joy and connection through what we make and how we serve.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to be patient and adaptable. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to expect overnight success, but the reality is that building a business takes years of trial, error, and persistence. What you start with may not be the same thing you end up doing—and that’s okay. Our business looked very different 20 years ago than it does today, but every step taught us something valuable.
I’d also say: invest in your people and your processes early. Your product matters, but the team you build and the systems you put in place are what allow you to grow and sustain long-term success.
And finally, don’t be afraid of challenges. The struggles are what force you to get creative and refine your vision. If I could go back, I’d remind myself to enjoy the journey and trust that consistency and quality always pay off in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coffeeandchocolate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeeandchocolateknox?igsh=MWplZ210Zm0wcnk4
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EiWBaEtvb/?mibextid=wwXIfr
