Jinji Fraser’s chocolate shop is full of stories told through the chocolates on display, a cup of drinking chocolate, and the objects that adorn the walls.
She started the business in 2012 with her father, Guy Fraser. Since then, with other collaborators, she has built a company focused on cacao, storytelling, and community.
On November 3, Baltimore Beat visited Jinji Chocolate on Greenmount. The new location in Waverly is bright and flooded with light. Fraser hopes the space will become a beacon for folks in the neighborhood that they can return year after year, holiday after holiday, for generations to come.
“I want people to feel like it’s a home space for them and be proud of it. I want people to have their families come this holiday season and be like, “I can’t wait to show you this chocolate shop that moved in,” she said.
The shop is a feast for the eyes, from the handwritten cards in elegant script describing the ingredients to the delicately wrapped bars of hibiscus white chocolate. There is even a drinking bar where you can enjoy a decadent cup of hot drinking chocolate.
All of the chocolates are dairy- and gluten-free, allowing you to fully relish the flavor of the cacao, which is harvested by hand.
The best way to support Jinji Chocolate is to visit the new shop. “We have so many new things here,” said Fraser, “and I really do think that what we’re doing is so unique for the city of Baltimore that I’m so excited to share it with people.” (Teri Henderson)
On December 1, Jinji Chocolate will serve hot chocolate at the Waverly Commons Christmas Tree Lighting. On December 15, they will host a mole night with a pop-up visit from Neopol Savory Smokery.
