Leonardtown Chocolate Company Bon AppéSweet To Appear On Shark Tank

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A Southern Maryland chocolate company is set to take its sweet message to national audiences this winter with an appearance on the TV show “Shark Tank,” showcasing a distinctive approach to crafting chocolate that highlights simplicity, natural ingredients and healthier alternatives.

Bon AppéSweet, an artisanal chocolate business based in Leonardtown, will be featured on “Shark Tank” on Jan. 14 (check local listings for times), where founder and CEO Thereasa Black will present the company to the show’s panel of investors. Bon AppéSweet’s chocolate is made using a deliberate minimal-ingredient process that relies on premium cocoa, cocoa butter and dates to naturally sweeten the product, rather than cane sugar or artificial sweeteners.

The company was founded by Black, a U.S. Navy veteran, attorney and mother who developed the date-sweetened recipe as both a personal commitment to healthy, flavorful chocolate and a business pursuit. Her inspiration for the company was her daughter while being away from her during a deployment and creating healthy desserts.

Black stated on Bon AppéSweet website, “I left my daughter for 13 months, just before her second birthday, and it devastated me. I spent my deployment thinking of a way that I would never have to leave her again. From my love for her, this company was born.”

Black launched the company with the intention of offering a plant-based, dairy-free chocolate bar that appeals to health-conscious consumers and those seeking alternatives to traditional confectionery. Her unique recipe reflects a philosophy of simplicity and wellness, integrating dates not only as a natural sweetener but also as a source of nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins.

The use of just three to four organic ingredients sets Bon AppéSweet apart from many conventional chocolates that include added sugar and other fillers, and results in a product with a richer taste and cleaner label.

Since its founding, Bon AppéSweet has expanded distribution to major retailers, including placement in nearly 400 Walmart stores, as well as outlets such as Whole Foods and MOM’s Organic Market. The brand has also developed an online presence supported by daily e-commerce orders. She contributes to Amazon Selling Partners as a huge growth for her business as well. Black’s approach using Amazon Ads and enhanced product content helped introduce Bon AppéSweet to a wider audience, illustrating how a locally based company can scale through online channels while maintaining a commitment to natural ingredients and quality.

The upcoming “Shark Tank” appearance marks a significant milestone for the company. The show, which airs on ABC, provides a platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their products to a panel of high-profile investors, and has been credited with boosting visibility and business growth for participating brands.

Viewers can tune in to “Shark Tank” on Jan. 14 to see Bon AppéSweet’s pitch and learn more about how the company’s natural-ingredient chocolate is crafted and marketed.

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