What occasions are perfect for Build-a-Bar Private Edition?

Private Edition is wonderful for birthday parties (both adults and kids 8+), family reunions, church groups, friend gatherings, bridal or baby showers, engagement celebrations, milestone anniversaries, graduation parties, and any special occasion where you want a unique, memorable experience for your group.

How is pricing structured for private experiences?

For Tuesday through Thursday private experiences, the deposit is $750, which covers up to 15 guests (our minimum). Each additional guest beyond 15 is $50. For Friday, Saturday, or Sunday experiences, we require a minimum of 25 guests and a $1,250 deposit to book.

What if our group has fewer than 15 people?

We can still offer a private experience for your group. You'd still need to pay for the corresponding minimum for the day of the week, but in that instance some number of guests in your party would get to make an additional chocolate bar.

What days and times are available?

We offer private experiences Tuesday through Sunday. Time slots generally include 10:00am, 12:00pm, and 2:00pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, we also have a 4:00pm slot available. We can be flexible with timing depending on your party's needs.

Can we book an experience outside of regular business hours?

Yes! Any approved private tasting experience occurring after our shop's normal business hours will be subject to an after-hours fee that starts at $200, and increases depending on your desired start time.

What happens during the private experience?

Your group will learn the complete story of where chocolate comes from and how Creo makes chocolate from bean to bar. Throughout the 90 minutes, you'll sample our chocolate at various stages. The experience culminates with everyone creating their own customized chocolate bar, adding whatever toppings and seasonings they'd like, then sealing and packaging them up to take home.

How far in advance should we book our private experience?

We require at least two weeks' notice for all private experiences. Dates requested less than two weeks in advance cannot be considered. We recommend booking 3-4 weeks ahead, especially for peak seasons like holidays.

Is this appropriate for a child's birthday party?

Yes! The experience is perfect for children ages 8 and up. Kids love the hands-on nature of making their own chocolate bar, and parents appreciate the educational component. It's a unique birthday party idea that stands out from typical arcade or bounce house parties.

Where is the Private Edition experience held?

All experiences take place at our Chocolate Lab at 100 NE Farragut, Portland, OR 97211. Parking is available in the lot behind the building.

What should guests wear?

We recommend closed-toe shoes for everyone, as you'll be in our working chocolate lab. We provide hairnets for all participants to wear during the experience. Comfortable, casual clothing is perfect for the occasion.

Can we bring decorations or food for our celebration?

Please describe any additional plans when filling out the inquiry form or by emailing aaron@creochocolate.com. We'll work with you to determine what's possible within our working chocolate lab environment.

Is the Chocolate Lab accessible?

Yes, our facility is walker and wheelchair friendly. Parking is available in the lot behind the building for easy access.

Can we take photos during our private experience?

Absolutely! We encourage you to capture the special moments. Still photography is welcome throughout the experience. We kindly ask that guests refrain from audio and video recordings during the presentation.

What if some guests have food allergies?

Our chocolate and toppings contain no added gluten, soy, nuts, or eggs. However, we manufacture on shared equipment with products containing eggs, wheat, milk, peanuts, and tree nuts. Please let us know about dietary restrictions when booking so we can discuss accommodations.

Can younger children attend if they're not participating?

Generally, the experience is designed for ages 8 and up. Infants may accompany adults in a baby sling. For questions about younger children attending with older siblings or family members, please reach out through the inquiry form or email aaron@creochocolate.com.

What does each person take home?

Every participant creates and takes home their own custom dark chocolate bar that they designed during the experience. It's a delicious and personal memento of your celebration!

Can we purchase gift certificates for private experiences?

Yes! Private experience gift certificates make wonderful presents. Contact us through the inquiry form or email aaron@creochocolate.com, and we'll help arrange a gift certificate for your recipient.

How do we get started booking our private experience?

Click the "Get Started" button above to fill out our inquiry form. Let us know about your special occasion, preferred dates and times, group size, and any special requests. You can also email aaron@creochocolate.com with questions before filling out the form.

What happens after we submit the booking inquiry?

We'll review your information and respond promptly to confirm availability, discuss any special needs for your celebration, and walk you through the next steps to secure your private experience with the required deposit.

What makes this different from your public Build-a-Bar experiences?

Private Edition offers exclusive access to the Chocolate Lab for your group only, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for celebrating with the people who matter most to you. You'll have the space to yourselves, allowing for conversation, celebration, and connection without other participants.