According to the San Francisco Business Times, North Beach chocolate shop Z. Cioccolato is now under new ownership.
Located at 474 Columbus Avenue, the business is neighbored by establishments such as Cafe Trieste, the Irish pub Maggie McGarry’s, and the Italian eatery The Stinking Rose.
“I’m taking this place to the moon,” the new owner, Thomas Forbes, tells the Journal. He adds, “I have 100% energy to put into this job.”
For readers who are unfamiliar with the business, it offers a brief introduction on its website: “Z. Cioccolato is world famous for layered fudges using innovative and seasonal flavors. Our artisan chefs craft these fudges 6 pounds at a time, featuring over 200 varieties of fudge throughout the year.”
Forbes also contributes a statement explaining his involvement with Z. Cioccolato over the years: “I was hired at Z. Cioccolato in early 2021, where I worked as a chef and the Chief Fudgepacking Officer for several years. Learning much more about chocolate than I thought I ever would, I have now taught thousands of people chocolate making, made a variety of fun and delicious fudge flavors, and continue working every day.”
“In 2025, I was given the opportunity to buy the shop. I never expected this was where I would end up, and I can’t wait to show you where we’re going to go.”
Forbes tells the San Francisco Business Times, “There are a lot of chocolate stores in the world, but there’s nobody making fudge like we do.”
Follow Z. Cioccolato on Facebook for updates.
