Springfield defense attorney Shawn Askinosie speaks with a 94-year-old Venezuelan farmer who still helps his family harvest cacao beans.

Attorney chases chocolate dream

Matt Wagner

Posted online July 13, 2006 | 11:00 pm

Springfield is about to get its first chocolate factory.

Shawn Askinosie, a well-known criminal defense attorney, is renovating a building at 514 E. Commercial St. for Askinosie Chocolate, which will craft small batches of premium dark chocolate.

Askinosie visited Mexico, Venezuela and Ecuador to research cacao bean harvesting techniques and the art of making chocolate. Farmers in the countries will supply the company with beans.

Renovations should wrap up next month, and Askinosie hopes to sell chocolate from his first batches before Christmas.

See SBJ’s July 17 issue to learn more about Askinosie’s unique business venture.[[In-content Ad]]