From Bean To Bar: How Hazel Hill Builds Flavor, Wins Awards, And Serves A City | Nick Xidis

We sit down with Hazel Hill’s Nick Xidis to explore award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate, the craft behind single origins, and why serving people is the true business model. From sensory tasting tips to cocoa market shocks, we dig into flavor, process, and community.• family heritage from Greek immigrant chocolatier to Topeka maker• where to buy Hazel Hill and seasonal gifting cycles• single-origin cocoa, inclusion bars, and flavor terroir• full bean-to-bar steps from ferment to temper• how to taste chocolate like a pro with simple method• small business mindset: service before product• cocoa price spikes, tariffs, hedging, and inventory strategy• community support, local advocacy, and making a difference• rapid-fire local favorites in food and trails________________________________________0:00 - Awards, Names, And A Sponsor Shout0:40 - Meet Nick Xidis Of Hazel Hill3:16 - Origins Of Hazel Hill And Family Roots7:56 - Where To Find Hazel Hill And Busy Seasons11:45 - What Hazel Hill Makes And What They Don’t16:05 - Enjoying Chocolate And What “Best” Means19:45 - Tasting Award Winners And Single Origins24:05 - Whiskey And Spice: Inclusion Bar Deep Dive28:10 - Why Chocolate Is Harder Than Coffee29:44 - From Fruit To Bar: The Full Process36:10 - Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Powder, And Use38:18 - Business Wisdom: Serve People First44:10 - How To Taste Chocolate Like A Pro51:00 - Date-Night Tasting Kits And Palate53:20 - Immigration Story And Candy land Legacy1:00:00 - The Hard Part: Cocoa Prices And Tariffs1:06:15 - Hedging, Inventory, And Advocacy_________________________________________Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KSWebsite -- https://topekainsider.com/Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/Follow Your Hosts: 📱Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jdFor Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!