CXBO

Chef Brandon Olsen is returning to the Toronto chocolate scene following a six-year hiatus after the closure of his original shop, CXBO (Chocolates X Brandon Olsen). Previously celebrated for its Kensington Market storefront, which combined culinary expertise with artistic design, the brand is being reimagined for a larger, more expansive experience. Olsen, an alumnus of notable Toronto establishments like Bar Isabel and The Black Hoof, is partnering with entrepreneur Michael Held to launch a new production-focused venture, As We Do Chocolate Factory, which aims to produce high-end confections on a significantly larger scale.

For those familiar with Olsen’s previous work, the new project focuses on bean-to-chocolate production, offering a lineup that includes milk and dark chocolate bars in various percentages, alongside signature flavoured bars like Morning Black Coffee and Cinnamon Brown Butter. While the original retail shop is closed, the new venture is currently operating out of a production facility in North York. Fans should look for these chef-crafted products through the company’s digital platform and e-commerce channels, as the business shifts its model toward national distribution and foodservice supply rather than a traditional boutique storefront. Expect the same commitment to high-quality ingredients and innovative flavour combinations that defined the original CXBO brand.