Premium Chocolate and Tea Shop to Open in Sewickley

A gourmet chocolate and tea store is scheduled to open in the Village of Sewickley just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Aficionados of chocolate and fine teas will welcome Cocothé, a French-inspired shop opening soon at 541 Beaver St.

“We’ll have gourmet, organic, natural and unique flavors of chocolate,” said Courtney Yates, managing partner of New Mexico-based Los Payasos. She said a wide range of teas will also be sold.

Renovations are under way at 541 Beaver St., which Los Payasos purchased in December along with the property at 545 Beaver St., according to Allegheny County assessment records.

Los Payasos is seeking to combine the two properties, which were subdivided in 1998. At Yates' request, the borough planning commission Tuesday approved a continuance until next month to allow time for a surveyor to submit updated plans.

Borough Manager Kevin Flannery said Los Payasos has received the proper permits to begin operating the new business.

Yates, a  Sewickley resident and native of Santa Fe, NM, said she studied culinary arts in Boston and spent some time abroad in Paris, which is known for its extraordinary chocolatiers and fine teas.

In addition to chocolate, Yates said, select teas will also be sold, allowing customers to pair the right tea with just the right chocolate.  

Borough officials said the business was scheduled to open Feb. 7, but Yates said the precise date hasn’t been firmed up. She hopes to be open before Valentine’s Day.