How are the Dallas Chocolate Classes booked?:

Just visit the home page or select the type of experience you’re looking for from the categories in the top Menu (on Mobile, tap the “Menu” item highlighted at the top of the screen to expand the options).

1. CORPORATE & GROUP EVENTS (for groups of any size, large or small). These have no minimum participants but instead have a minimum price. The larger the group, the more the cost per person decreases when calculated on a per-person basis. IN-PERSON: These can be booked instantly online by paying the minimum as a deposit. Just select the experience and date from the online calendar and complete the details. Chef Zach will follow up with you about any remaining logistics questions for planning the event. The events are designed to be set up in any space and to be easy setup and tear down, leaving you as the host with minimal effort. And what’s better, no kitchen space is required (except for the Chocolate Baking Party). However, if you need a venue space, see this link for a few well-known options in DFW. (Small additional mileage travel fees apply; see the Corporate & Group Events activities detail page for more info). Special Dietary Requests: There is a one-time upcharge of at least $49 for recipes/ingredients that meet special dietary needs within the scope of what can be provided (vegan, etc.). Please inquire for more details.

ONLINE: These take place via Zoom with Chef Zach acting as host and providing the link. These have no minimum or maximum number of participants but instead have a minimum price. These can be booked instantly online and you’ll receive all necessary prep and recipe information at least 1 week ahead of the event. They are designed to be easy to prep.

2. 1-on-1 PRIVATE LESSONS (ONLINE OR IN-PERSON): These last for 2 hours and can be for kids and/or adults. Chef Zach may have flexibility with your start time given the day’s schedule. Topics for the private lessons are designed for one or two people only and the topics covered are customized just for you. Chef Zach will work with you to choose the topics you want to cover and the amount of time needed, or he can suggest topics. Depending on what you want to learn, scheduling more days over time may be necessary, which Chef Zach can help you determine. If you want to consider a preset package that includes 5 lessons, you can read the details of the agenda and purchase the package here. To ensure the class runs smoothly and on time, the classes are set up in a certain workflow for the number of guests registered, so all attendees must be registered, paid guests. Nonparticipating observers of any age are not permitted.

3. PRIVATE COUPLES CLASSES (ONLINE/IN-PERSON/AT-HOME): These are private, shorter classes centered around one chocolate-themed recipe. They are designed to be relaxing and easy and teach you the basics of making a delicious chocolate dessert together, which you can make at home regardless of your skill level. They also include chocolate tastings and education about chocolate. They hold a maximum of two couples (A “couple” can be defined as any two adults — romantic couple, friends, parent/child of 13 yrs+, co-workers, etc.; there is no determined definition!) that are registered together. To ensure the class runs smoothly and on time, the classes are set up in a certain workflow for the number of guests registered, so all attendees must be registered, paid guests. Nonparticipating observers of any age are not permitted. Guests must be 13 years or older.

4. CHOCOLATE FONDUE - TO YOU!: This is a great option for friends and families gathered together looking for a unique experience without leaving home. Chef Zach will bring a fondue kit (each kit feeds up to 6 people. At this time, a maximum of 2 kits can be ordered) with 7 different chocolate dippers (organic fruits and classic + contemporary dessert dippers) to you, fondue pots, and all the needed materials, per the description on the website. It is very easy to set up and full instructions are provided. Someone must be available to receive the kits due to the temperature sensitivity of the ingredients. The kits cannot be left if no one is available to take possession of them. The kits with a few equipment pieces will be picked up for free the next day. Note: The use of the equipment and the containers constitutes a rental not a purchase, and items must be returned as listed on the kit’s “RETURNING YOUR KIT” list. Customers will be charged for any lost or damaged returnable items from the kit up to the replacement value of the lost or damaged item. Service area delivery: DFW metroplex only. The service area for free delivery and pick up is within a 15-mile radius from 1626 Banbury LN, Carrollton, TX 75006. For distances beyond the service area, a travel charge of between $25 to $55 will be added, depending on miles.). This is a unique option for parties!

Class/Event Times:

All Classes and Event times are posted on the calendars where you’ll select them for registration. Corporate & Group Events start times can be requested by you. The 1-on-1 Private Lessons may have flexibility with the start time depending on the day’s schedule.

Age Requirement:

All of Dallas Chocolate Classes classes and events are fun, hands-on, and educational. They are designed with mature teens and young adults/adults in mind who are beginning bakers and chocolate lovers (Private 1:1 Lessons cover more advanced topics). In the private group events, children may participate as paid participants along with the registered supervising adults. Children-only group events are not available. Minors starting at age 13 may attend the Private Couples Class and the Private 1:1 Lesson as a registered, paid participant along with the parent/guardian/chaperon. Chef Zach has enjoyed teaching many kids ages 13+ in his Couples Classes and Private 1:1 Lessons over the years, and it’s important that the minor is of mature temperament so that the class is most enjoyable and meaningful to them.

Participants bringing and consuming alcoholic beverages must be 21 years or older.

Location:

• IN-PERSON 1-ON-1 PRIVATE LESSONS/COUPLES CLASSES (Chef’s Home): These private classes take place in Chef Zach’s always pet-free home (see "Why are the Small Classes Held in the Chef's Home?" below for more details) located at 1626 Banbury LN, Carrollton, TX 75006-5202 near the Addison, TX area where all the equipment and ingredients are easily accessed and organized for a smooth class. However, you can book the Famous French Mi-Cuit Class at your home or as an online interactive class with Chef Zach.

• IN-PERSON CORPORATE & GROUP EVENTS/CHOCOLATE FONDUE TO YOU!: These events can take place at any venue. These are very mobile and can easily come to your location: a private home, an office conference room, a rented venue. All that is needed generally is working surfaces for the group and a long table or counter and an outlet for Chef Zach - and voilà the event is ready to go! A kitchen space is NOT required (except for the Chocolate Baking Party). Travel charge: A small travel charge may be added for certain distances from 1626 Banbury LN, Carrollton, TX 75006-5202. Where applicable, these travel charges are mentioned in the Corporate & Group Events descriptions. Online options for the Corporate & Group Events are also available.

Payment:

Payments can be easily processed online through the online booking system. Any credit/debit card payments are accepted. The system charges a small booking fee (not collected by Dallas Chocolate Classes) during checkout. You can avoid this fee by processing your card payment over the phone or by using Venmo, Paypal, Zelle, or the Cash App for payment. All events and classes must be prepaid.

A deposit for the In-Person Corporate & Group Events can be processed instantly online to secure your requested date. In some cases, Chef Zach can arrange to accept checks. Groups can request an invoice, too, to go along with their payment. Payment can also be arranged via Paypal, Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App. Make checks payable to Townsend Creative, Inc. and mail them to Dallas Chocolate Classes (Attn: Zach Townsend) 1626 Banbury LN, Carrollton, TX 75006-5202. Returned checks will be subject to an NSF charge of $55.00. IMPORTANT: Please be sure to read the cancellation policy below. 

Gift Certificates/Gift Cards:

PURCHASING:

Gift certificates (aka “gift vouchers” or “gift cards”) are available to be purchased electronically here for any dollar amount and can be applied to any of the classes or events. Once you begin your purchase online, you can enter a personalized message before emailing it to your recipient. The recipient will receive a code to apply (by simply copying and pasting it) online to any of the classes or experiences. Similar to other businesses, gift vouchers/e-cards/gift cards are non-refundable. However, a Dallas Chocolate Classes gift card never expires. If you would like to have a physical certificate (a glossy printed postcard with an area for you to write information to your recipient) sent to you to present to your recipient or to have the certificate mailed directly to your recipient, please provide the address during checkout where the certificate should be mailed and Chef Zach will be happy to mail that for you. Please note that a PREMIUM PHYSICAL GIFT CARD is an additional $5 to process and can be purchased online during the purchase of the gift voucher as an optional “add-on.”

REDEEMING:

It’s easy for your recipient to use an electronic gift voucher. The value can be applied toward any class or experience. When booking online, the recipient will copy and paste the electronic gift code s/he receives into the “apply a gift card” link/field near the pricing field when checking out. The value will automatically be deducted. If any remaining amounts exceed the value of the gift, the recipient would then just use a credit/debit card to complete the booking. After an experience is booked using the gift card, any unused amount remains on the gift card to apply toward another experience at any time. For the PREMIUM PHYSICAL GIFT CARD, these are not printed with a code and must be redeemed over the phone or via e-mail with Chef Zach.

Dallas Chocolate Classes YouTube channel:

Visit the Discover & Connect page.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

Life happens, so sometimes you need to rebook a class or event. Chef Zach’s goal is to always work with you and give you flexibility if classes or events need to be rescheduled in advance due to unforeseen circumstances.

1-on-1 PRIVATE LESSONS/ALL COUPLES CLASSES (ONLINE/CHEF’S HOME): Refunds cannot be issued for these classes once booked. However, there is no limit on the number of advanced rebooking requests (defined as 24 hours prior to the class start time) you can make. Your booking confirmation has a “change date” link that you can use to rebook yourself up to 24 hours prior to the class time. If less than 24 hours, just send Chef Zach an e-mail, call, or text, and he’ll be happy to work with you to rebook your class to another date that’s right for you.

CORPORATE & GROUP EVENTS (ONLINE/IN-PERSON): If the group cancels more than 72 hours before the start time, a refund can be issued minus a nonrefundable $139 fee, which can be applied toward a future event if the group reschedules at another time.

If all participants cancel 72 hours or less of the start time, no refund can be issued (however, if the class/event can be rescheduled within a few days of the original start time, the payment can be applied toward the new date). No refunds can be issued for individual participants who cancel within 48 hours or less of the start time (cancellations or no-shows) if the class/event continues as planned. For the In-Person Corporate & Group Events, Chef Zach works closely with groups up to 24 hours to finalize their RSVPs before finalizing any amounts due.

CHOCOLATE FONDUE TO YOU!: This experience is fully refundable if all participants cancel more than 48 hours prior to the start time. If the experience is cancelled 48 hours or less of the requested start time, a refund can be issued minus a $49 non-refundable fee (to cover freshly purchased ingredients.)

No Shows: Unfortunately refunds or rebooking credits cannot be granted for participants who fail to arrive for a scheduled activity or event with no notice. Automated class/event reminder notices are sent to each registered e-mail 24 hours in advance of the start time to provide the opportunity to rebook if needed.

Rebookings

Rebooking requests can be made up to 24 hours prior to the class start time or by using the “change date” on the booking confirmation. If you need assistance, e-mail Chef Zach at zach@dallaschocolateclasses.com or call or text 214-289-5419, and he’ll choose a new date with you when you are ready if you were not able to use the “change date” link. You can rebook as many times as you need with advanced rebooking requests. See the “Cancellation and Refunds” policy above.

Why are some small classes held in the chef's home?

Chef Zach has held many hundreds of small classes in his home kitchen! After a period of time conducting classes in culinary facilities, he realized there were several advantages for his guests to moving the small classes into his home:

1. His equipment is what home cooks and home-based businesses use. Chef Zach wants his students to see that everything can be produced using easy-to-access ingredients and normal kitchen equipment. You’ll feel more confident about baking and working with chocolate in your own home if you recognize the equipment and ingredients being used. Chef Zach’s home kitchen has everything and more you'll ever need in the world of chocolate and baking. If special equipment is needed for a particular task that interests you, he’ll share with you where you can purchase it.

2. Prices for the classes are lower/equipment is better: Commercial kitchens are expensive and they sometimes have substandard equipment and lack the budget for the highest quality ingredients. They usually buy only bulk ingredients that you, as a normal consumer, would not have access to. By hosting the classes in his home, the prices for the classes are lower and the ingredients used in the kitchen are much better and more familiar to you.

3. Chef Zach’s home (always pet free) is a considerably more comfortable environment for you. In his home environment where everything is under his control (temperature, ambiance, serving wine or spirits) you will be more at ease! Bring a bottle of wine or beer if you'd like; Chef Zach will be happy to pour you a glass while we learn all about chocolate!

Allergen Statement

Chef Zach’s kitchen uses ingredients that are common allergens to some people, including milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Chef Zach does teach customization for some special diets (vegan recipes, gluten-free recipes), but the items you make may have exposure to common allergen ingredients in the kitchen. If you have any food allergies, please notify Chef Zach in writing prior to arriving, otherwise guests assume all responsibilities during classes and events. All ingredients used are reviewed with you during the private classes (Couples Classes | 1:1 Private Lessons). A list of ingredients used during events can be provided upon request. Although ingredients in the kitchen are organized and separated to minimizing cross contact, and the kitchen is sanitized regularly, it is possible that cross contact among ingredients may occur.

Photo Use

Photos are often taken during classes or events and may be uploaded to social media or Google to highlight and help promote the experience for others. Unless otherwise stated, you give Dallas Chocolate Classes the right to use a photo of you in such a way without prior consent. If you do not wish your photo(s) during the class to be used on social media or otherwise online, please inform Chef Zach prior to the class or event.

Chocolate FAQs