The Royal Chocolate, Virginia Beach

Rarely a day goes by that Terry Restin and Brenda Tusing don't eat chocolate. And who could blame them? Terry and Brenda are the imaginative founders of The Royal Chocolate—a cheerful shop abounding with glimmering glass displays of gourmet chocolate and caramel apples, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a sweeping variety of dark, milk, and white chocolates. The duo imports chocolates from around the world and whips up their own line in-store, folding Belgian chocolate into intricate treats such as chocolate cashew clusters and chocolate caramel toffee squares. They work behind the shop's counter steaming hot chocolates and preparing other beverages. Their guests perch at intimate tabletops by the glowing fire, dipping fresh strawberries, fluffy marshmallows, and crispy apple slices into pots of fondue. The contented smiles on their faces are the reason Terry and Brenda got into the chocolate business in the first place—as Brenda told reporters from Inside Business, "I can't explain how great it is when people come in our door. Even when they have a frown on their face, when they smell the chocolate they smile."