Inside Bixby Chocolate: A Sweet Stop on Rockland’s Working Waterfront

Tucked slightly off the beaten path along the working waterfront in Rockland, Bixby Chocolate is one of those places you might not stumble upon by accident, but once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever missed it.

From the outside, it feels understated. But step inside, and you quickly realize just how expansive the space is.

A large retail area flows into a cozy café and a dedicated tasting space. Beyond that, you can peek right into parts of the factory where the real magic happens. Watching chocolate being made and decorated just steps away adds a whole new level to the experience.

We were greeted by owner Kate McAleer, who instantly made us feel at home. She guided us over to the café, where I ordered a chocolate chai. Hands down one of the most delicious drinks I’ve ever had. My videographer, Adam, went with a mocha and couldn’t stop talking about how good it was.

I’ve since heard from multiple reliable sources that Bixby serves some of the best coffee around… which is not exactly what you expect walking into a chocolate factory but it absolutely checks out. I sucked it down so fast I didnt get a picture ha.

While we sipped our drinks, Kate brought over cocoa nibs to show us exactly where chocolate begins. Her knowledge of the process from plant to finished product is incredible, and what makes it even better is how she brings it to life with visuals right there in the space. Its not just a tasting, it’s an education.

We moved to the tasting table, where Kate had six samples ready for us. We started with two dark chocolate bars. One from Belize and one from Guatemala. Both were made with just a few simple ingredients, and I was honestly shocked at how different they tasted based solely on where the cocoa was grown. That’s something I never would have picked up on my own.

Kate encouraged us to slow down and really take in the flavors, and it completely changed how I experienced chocolate. The Belize bar, with just two ingredients, was especially memorable proof that when you start with the best, you don’t need much else. That’s exactly what Bixby is all about. Sourcing the best of the best. We also tried the Primo bar which is a collab with Primo Restaurant. You all know I love a Maine collab!

As a bit of a history lover, I especially appreciated hearing the story behind the Bixby named after Kate’s ancestors. We also learned about the history of the building, the town, and even chocolate itself. It added so much depth to the experience.

Then came the fun part: tasting everything else.

• A crème brûlée bar with that signature crackle on top (one of my favorites)

• Rich salted caramels

• Bon bons in unique flavors like yuzu and hibiscus

• Classic Maine staples like maple and blueberry

They’re constantly experimenting with new flavor combinations, and it shows.

One standout? Their new chocolate-covered Maine blueberries, which we got to try fresh, right out of the machine.

Kate brought us into the production area, where we suited up with hair nets and jumped right in. I got to salt their signature sea salt caramels and even help remove their iconic chocolate sardines from the molds.

It was such a hands-on, memorable experience and you can feel the passion behind every step of the process.

Kate and her mother, Donna, have built something really special here. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in everything they do.

You can find Bixby Chocolate products at places like Hannaford, Walmart, L.L.Bean, and Renys but if you’re anywhere near Rockland, I highly recommend making the trip to visit the shop and factory in person. And if you see their chocolate in a store? Do yourself a favor and grab some.

We also had the chance to collaborate with Bixby on a custom T-shirt, with all profits going to New Hope Midcoast which is an organization working to end domestic abuse, dating violence, and stalking.

It’s just another example of how this business is rooted not only in quality, but in community.

Shop the collab + support a great cause: Get the shirt here!

A huge thank you to Kate McAleer for welcoming us in, sharing your knowledge, and giving us such a memorable, behind-the-scenes experience. Your passion for chocolate and dedication to quality truly shine through in everything you do and we’re so grateful to have been a part of it telling your story.

Kate

Bixby Chocolate - 1 Sea St Pl, Rockland, ME 04841