Sweet Success: Jennifer Hill's Chocolate-Covered Journey With Peterbrooke Chocolatier in Tampa

Jennifer Hill spent 20 years as a public school teacher before stepping into the world of chocolate. "Teaching was my passion, and I was successful in it with no real desire to leave," she said. But when her daughter wanted to start a business, Hill found herself at a franchise expo in Tampa. "Right at the entrance was Peterbrooke. I had lived in Jacksonville for ten years and fell in love with the brand during that time."

She had always assumed Peterbrooke Chocolatier was everywhere, so she was surprised to learn that Tampa didn’t have a location. "I even reached out to corporate asking when they were coming to town,” Hill said. “I had no clue they were franchising until I saw them at that expo. That moment felt like fate."

Hill’s daughter agreed to help, and her middle daughter, recently out of the military, also joined in. "It became a family venture, and I saw it as an opportunity to build a legacy for my daughters — something they could grow and rely on,” said Hill. “I wanted them to have security and independence, and this business gave us that opportunity."

A Brand With a Personal Connection

"I knew the brand well from my time in Jacksonville,” Hill said. “It was a small, accessible company back then, with a factory in downtown Jacksonville where my daughters and I toured with their Girl Scout troops." She loved the warm, inviting feel of Peterbrooke and its community presence. But it was the chocolate itself that stood out. "I’ve had chocolate from all over the world — Vietnam, the Philippines, South America — and Peterbrooke remains my favorite. For the quality and price, nothing compares. It’s creamy and rich without being gritty or cheap. It can even outperform some higher-end brands."

When it came time to choose a location, Hill wanted impact. "I strategically chose downtown Tampa to be as splashy and bold as possible." The city’s business and tourism traffic made it an attractive choice, but she soon realized it wasn’t the easiest spot for her ideal customers. "My soccer moms find it challenging to come downtown, and I want to expand into more neighborhood-friendly locations where I know demand exists."

Chocolate Done Right

So what is it that sets Peterbrooke’s chocolate apart from the rest? "It’s the flavor. It’s creamy, smooth, and has a unique richness that you won’t find in store-bought brands," Hill said.

The brand also distinguishes itself by embracing fun, accessible treats in its gourmet approach. “Peterbrooke does dipped items really well, which makes it more accessible and more American,” Hill said. “I don’t think Godiva would dip a Rice Krispie treat if their life depended on it.”

While Hill’s favorite treat is “a warm, dark chocolate-covered Nutter Butter or a super tightly packed Rice Krispie treat coated in extra chocolate,” she does point out that Peterbrooke’s chocolate is good enough to stand on its own. “You don’t really need the other items inside of it. That’s my opinion,” she said. “But when I do dip, it’s perfect. It’s crispy. It’s snappy. Here in the store, we’re doing everything by hand, so the chocolate’s still warm. It’s still gooey.”

The Reality of Running a Business

For Hill, running Peterbrooke Chocolatier is truly a family affair. Her middle daughter, Sydney, oversees production, ensuring the chocolate maintains the brand’s signature quality. Her oldest daughter, Drew, uses her marketing expertise to help with promotions, particularly during peak seasons. Her son, Logan, has also played an essential role in the business, working as an assistant manager while completing college and stepping in to help during busy times. "Without them, I wouldn’t have done this. This business is as much theirs as it is mine," Hill said. "The only person you probably won’t see in here very often is my husband. And if you do, he’s snacking. He’s not working."

According to Hill, the biggest challenge has been wearing all the hats. “I have a business background, but my experience was theoretical, not hands-on,” she said. “Running a small business means handling payroll, accounting, inventory, sales, personnel management — you name it."

Despite the demands, she wouldn’t trade it for anything. "The reward is the people — my team, my customers and my family. I’m grateful for my incredible staff, which allows me to focus on the bigger picture. But as a business owner, you have to learn to delegate and find balance."

Looking Ahead

"I originally signed a three-store agreement, so I should have two more locations,” Hill said. “But the pandemic hit just as I was opening my first store in 2020, and it was tough. The economy has been unpredictable, and Tampa is competitive."

For Hill, community engagement remains a priority. "We work with local theaters, museums, hospitals and schools,” she said. “Teacher appreciation events and nurse appreciation orders are some of my favorites. We always look for ways to give back."

For anyone considering a Peterbrooke franchise, Hill offers the following advice: “In a small business like this, there’s no room for one person to be the artist and another to be the face of the business. We all have to do a lot to make it work.”

“And kindness goes a long way,” she added. “We didn’t get the great staff we have by beating them about the head and shoulders.”

A Future as Sweet as Chocolate

Hill’s journey from the classroom to the chocolate counter is a testament to passion, perseverance and family. What started as a spontaneous visit to a franchise expo became a thriving business and a lasting legacy for her children. Her story isn’t just about selling chocolate — it’s about building a future and strengthening community ties while finding fulfillment in an unexpected place. For Hill, success is measured not just in profits but in the memories created and the joy that comes from sharing something truly special. And if there’s one thing she knows for sure, it’s that chocolate — especially Peterbrooke’s — always makes life a little sweeter.

For more information on franchising with Peterbrooke’s Chocolatier, please visit https://www.peterbrooke.com/pages/own-a-franchise.