Bissinger’s Unveils New Headquarters, Event Space

Bissinger’s unveiled its new facility to more than 300 guests as the company’s president and CEO, Tim Fogerty, and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay cut a specially created chocolate ribbon with an oversized chocolate champagne bottle to inaugurate the new corporate headquarters and showcase its premier 14,000-square-foot special event space, The Caramel Room.

“The increased capacity will allow us to keep up with demand and bring new jobs to St. Louis,” said Fogerty. “The addition of private chocolate tours and special event space for parties, corporate meetings and receptions will make this a destination and major attraction for both local and out-of-town visitors.”

The ceremony was the culmination of a year of intense effort, and the renovation process took more than 250 people to complete. With ever-increasing business, Bissinger’s was eager to take the operation to a higher level. It consolidated two facilities, bringing jobs from its Iowa City plant to St. Louis, and relocated everyone to the new location. Bissinger’s now employs about 100 people.

Constructed around 1910, the historic property was once home to the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad Depot. A $15 million renovation was undertaken to upgrade it to industry standards while preserving much of its original architectural detail. The four-story building contains 220,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space, and will now accommodate private chocolate tours. The top floor has a new special event space that can seat up to 350 people for dinner and features a 4,200-square-foot deck.

Bissinger’s explored many options when searching for a new facility, but felt a strong allegiance to St. Louis. The company worked closely with the city, the St. Louis Development Corp. and the Missouri Department of Economic Development to bring the project to fruition. 

“We could never have taken a 100-year-old property that sat empty for decades and turn it into this incredible space without the help of so many,” Fogerty said. “We are committed to serving as a catalyst for change in the area and the new development will be an anchor for the community.”

“We are very proud that Bissinger’s has their new chocolate factory and headquarters here in the city,” said Slay. “I can’t imagine a company more fitting to be a part of the new front door of our city and be so visible as one enters the new Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge.”

Fogerty presented the mayor with a special limited-release chocolate bar commemorating the 250th anniversary of St. Louis. The hand-painted art features famous pioneers and landmarks that have been instrumental in the fabric of St. Louis’ iconic past, present and future.