Truffles & Creams Chocolatier Welcomes Fresh Ownership
Writer & Photographer / Stephanie Duncan
Truffles & Creams Chocolatier in Zionsville is still creating delectable sweets and treats, with a new passionate owner, Travis Moss, at the helm.
The cozy chocolate shop, located at 55 East Pine Street in the heart of downtown Zionsville, is sporting a new hanging sign. Still, Moss is continuing the tradition of handcrafting delicious truffles and other chocolate confections.
When the opportunity arose to own a candy shop, Travis and his wife saw only potential in continuing something special that the original owners, Natasha and Sergi Hobyadinov, had built over the past seven years. Before they left, they taught Travis how to use the equipment and make all their signature recipes as well.
Travis had no previous experience making truffles or working with chocolate. Still, he has learned quickly since taking over the business in August and is already incorporating a few new flavors into the menu. Having this new stability has been a welcome change for him and his family.
“I’ve done carpentry, construction, and worked in kitchens before, and I was a truck driver for 10 years,” he says. “I just wanted out of a truck.”
During his truck driving shifts, he’d drive through small towns and think about what life was like. Now, he’s fallen in love with Zionsville and has been so appreciative of the community support.
“I’m literally living a dream,” he says. “There’s not a bad day in a chocolate shop.”
Along with the brightly lit displays of their chocolate creations, Travis loves supporting other local businesses and makers in the community. Upon entering the shop, a thoughtfully decorated corner is filled with handmade, crocheted creations for sale by a resident.
He makes just about everything in-house and recently added handcrafted chocolate bars to the lineup. His wife works as an administrative director a street away, and Travis values that they get to spend more time together. In her free time, she also enjoys creating candy bar labels and thinking up new flavors, including names like Polar Crunch and Sweater Weather.
Some of the owner’s must-try flavors range from traditional to surprising.
“I’m addicted to our turtles,” he says. “Our turtles are the best thing. I’m down to two a day.”
The turtles come in dark chocolate and milk chocolate and are approximately the size of a hand, with a generous amount of gooey caramel and nuts.
“As far as truffles go … the tea almond is really good,” he adds.
The unique truffle flavor packs a punch with a delicious dark chocolate shell filled with a smooth and rich black tea and almond-flavored ganache. Other popular flavors include bourbon, cayenne cinnamon, chocolate lavender and a new flavor, cookie butter.
With the holiday season in full swing, Travis is embracing his first busy season with open arms. You can purchase different varieties of truffles, caramels, turtles and more online at trufflesandcreams.com or stop by and shop in person! They are open Tuesday through Sunday.
