The Sweet Granada Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary a Favorite Gourmet Chocolate Shop in Emporia

Residents of Emporia, Kansas, craving a sweet treat have a beautiful dessert shop right in their backyard. Kim Redeker and her mom opened The Sweet Granada in November 2004, selling more than 200 handmade chocolates. Because of its massive popularity, the store has since expanded to a retail location in Kansas City, Missouri.

“It began with a mother-daughter road trip where we decided it would be fun to open a business together,” says Redeker.

Whether you need to pick up a few sweets for your loved one or simply want a delicious dessert, there’s chocolate waiting for you at The Sweet Granada. Learn more about this store and why it’s a beloved staple of Emporia. 

Redeker Was Part of the Downtown Revitalization Efforts

Redeker and her mom knew they wanted to open a business, they just weren’t sure what they were going to sell or where they would operate. Then Redeker brought her mom to the empty south storefront of the Granada Theatre, which was undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to become part of a new arts and entertainment district in downtown Emporia. Selling chocolate was her mom’s idea, and the idea for The Sweet Granada was born.

“We didn't know anything about candy making or even running a cash register, but I was very excited about being a part of the downtown revitalization and knew that we could figure out the rest,” says Redeker.

At first, it was just Redeker and her mom in a 560-square-foot space. Today, Redeker manages twenty-seven employees, two retail locations, and 2,700 square feet of production, packaging, shipping, and storage space. They produce anywhere from 50 to 300 pounds of gourmet chocolates a day.

The Sweet Granada Makes Shopping a Fun Experience

Redeker and her team invite customers to step away from the stress of life when they visit the shop. They tap into all five senses, allowing adults to feel like kids again as they pick out their favorite chocolates.

“There's fun music playing, it smells like fresh fudge, and we always have creative window displays,” says Redeker. “The fun and beautiful packaging also stands out from other chocolate shops and businesses.”

One customer even said it feels like vacation stepping into The Sweet Granada. While this shop sells its chocolates online, Redeker feels like it is worth the road trip to visit in person and stop into other Emporia businesses during your visit.  

Redeker Credits Her Success to Support from Emporia Residents

There’s no doubt that the chocolate at The Sweet Granada is delicious. It comes in a variety of flavors to appeal to different tastes, which is why it has such a large customer base. However, the company’s success was made possible thanks to local buy-in. Redeker and her staff frequently collaborate with other local businesses and organizations, supporting others while building up themselves.

“I think the Emporia business community knows that when one of us does well, we all do well,” says Redeker. “Emporians really do support our locally-owned businesses and are proud to have a diverse and interesting small business base here.”

Many residents purchase chocolates as gifts and ship them to friends and family outside of Emporia. When these loved ones visit, they pop in to see the store for themselves. 

The Sweet Granada is Part of Multigenerational Traditions

As Redeker celebrates her 20th season in business, she reflects on the impact her chocolate shop has had on the Emporia community. She also looks ahead to the future and considers what it holds for The Sweet Granada.

“Kids that were coming to the shop twenty years ago are now bringing their own little ones,” says Redeker. “I am also to the point where we are thinking of what our business succession will look like. It's exciting to plan for a new young generation that will lead the business through another successful twenty years.”

Emporia continues to change as more people discover this city and choose to live here. No matter what new businesses move to the area or new populations call Emporia home, there will always be a sweet treat and a smile waiting for residents who stop into The Sweet Granada. 

Get to Know Other Emporia Businesses

The Emporia Regional Development Association (RDA) celebrates businesses of all industries throughout the year. Catch up on some of our latest news stories, including a profile of Glendo, a global manufacturing powerhouse, and Simmons, one of the largest pet food producers in the country. There’s a lot happening in Emporia, Kansas and we’re just getting started.