09-04-2025
Cocoa Legato blends chocolate-making, cafe and live music in Seattle
A new bean-to-bar chocolate maker plans to open this month in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood, operating as a cafe, music venue and chocolate factory all in one.
Why it matters: The opening of Cocoa Legato — planned for April 26 — could help reinvigorate the local chocolate scene, after Theo Chocolate and Intrigue Chocolate Co. recently decided to close their Seattle stores.
Zoom in: Aaron Lindstrom, who worked at Theo for almost a decade before the company shuttered its Fremont factory, said his goal in starting Cocoa Legato is to combine his two key passions: music and chocolate.
The corner space — about 3,000 square feet at North 85th Street and Greenwood Avenue North — will be split roughly in half, with one side dedicated to chocolate-making and the other a cafe and performance space, he told Axios this week.
Large windows will allow people to view the chocolate production process, starting with cacao beans imported from Peru and Colombia and roasted on site.
What he's saying: "The hope is people can watch the chocolate being made while they listen to the singer-songwriter on the stage, while they have a cup of drinking chocolate," Lindstrom said.
Between the lines: The name reflects Lindstrom's fusion of ideas. In music, legato refers to notes that are smooth and flowing, in much the way Lindstrom hopes people will experience his chocolate.
The fine print: Cocoa Legato plans to make only varieties of dark chocolate that are naturally vegan, Lindstrom said.
The cafe will also have vegan food options and serve Caffe Vita espresso.
What we're watching: Because the company's beans are coming from South America, Lindstrom said he's worried about recent tariffs affecting his bottom line — so he's hoping locals will "come out and support us."
What's next: After the April 26 grand opening, the business is expected to be open 8am-6pm Tuesday through Sunday.
