The most important things that happen at GDC can’t be summed or divided in a spreadsheet; they are the random uplifting moments that happen in the shop, the kind words, the loving intentions of the incredible people that orbit this small business. We are endlessly grateful to have the best team on the planet—people who genuinely care, who pour their hearts into every truffle, every scoop of gelato, and every customer interaction. One of the most telling assessments of the year is that Lori, the beloved operations wizard behind GDC, declared 2024 ‘The smoothest year yet (she’s been here for 8 of them now), all thanks to the incredible dedication and spirit of our team!.’
If you ever visit us in Empire, you’ll see what we mean—there’s love and compassion in everything we do. It’s a privilege to work alongside such kind, passionate, and hardworking people. And no matter what may be happening in the world around us, we’ll continue to lead GDC with love.
Cheers to everyone who worked with us in 2024! Our managers: Lori, Gabi, Mady, Max, Kara GDC Retail Team: Sienna, Sue, Jocey, Tracey, Stevie, Karina, Chris, Lilah, Moey, Ella H, Ella R, Paula, Annabel, Amarie, Jen, Abigail, Oksana, Stella GDC Production Team: Sky, Connor, Casey, Shanoya, Daisy.
GDC relies on a close partnership with our friends Jenny Samaniego and Mario Remache from Conexion Chocolate in Ecuador to source the most delicious, ethically sourced chocolate on the planet. Our chocolate comes from thousands of small scale cacao farmers who are organized into democratically-run cooperatives. Most of our chocolate comes from the UOPROCAE producer group in Esmeraldas, near the Colombian border. But we also work with Fortaleza Del Valle in Manabi Province and as well as heirloom cacao from Los Rios. We will begin running trips to cacao farms again in 2025/2026 so please reach out if you’re interested in joining us (chocolate@grocersdaughter.com).
There are so many people that make GDC the special place it is! Here’s a shout out to some of our favorites.
Jody and DC have owned GDC since April 2013 and there is only one person who preceded them at GDC that’s still here. The fabulous Irene Joy! She’s the most reliable, considerate cleaning professional around. Have you wandered through the gardens in the summer? That’s the glorious green thumb of our friend Laurel Voran and her crew. And what about the new gelato shop and other building upgrades like our new sidewalk? That’s our favorite contractor, Scott Lattimore, who is more like the grandfather we’ve always wanted! We also have years-old barter accounts with Jayson Spaulding for plowing, David Moehle for electrical work, and Sheree Jamrog for staff massage, all long-time friends of GDC. Have you noticed the cute cast of characters on our packaging? Uber-talented Brianne Farley is the illustrator and Max and team at OB & Co. Media are the design masterminds. Did you know in 2024 we enlisted a team of trusted friends and colleagues to join us as a board of advisors to help steer the GDC ship into the future? We’re forever grateful to Joan and Mike, Margaret, Christoph, Jim, Nate, Ford, Kathy and Terry for supporting us! And many thanks to our talented bean counters, Jayvee from the Philippines and Beth from MoneyFit for keeping the lights on and chocolate flowing.
At GDC, we believe in supporting the organizations that make our community stronger. In 2024, we’ve donated cash and products to the following amazing groups:
- Vida Guatemala
- UpNorth Pride
- Groundwork Center
- TCAPS Montessori
- Frankfort/Elberta Schools
- Glen Arbor Arts Center
- Glen Lake Community Schools
- Norte
- North Sky Raptor
- Horse North Rescue
- Generations Ahead
- Grow Ahead/Kany
- Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund
- Planting Seeds International
- Crooked Tree Arts Center
- Leelanau Children’s Center
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Church
- Empire St. Philip Neri Catholic Church
- Lakeside Shakespeare Theatre
- St. Mary Catholic School
- ShareCare of Leelanau
- Earthworks Harvest Gathering
- Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center
- Kids on the Go
- Traverse City High School
- Leelanau Conservancy
A special thank you to all the organizations we’ve been proud to support in 2024. From local schools and arts centers to environmental groups and international nonprofits, we believe in making a positive impact wherever we can. Your support helps us continue to give back to the communities that have given so much to us.
