Lis Yasaitis and her father, Mike Swendsen, opened Saroli Chocolat on Broad Street after running Sarah’s Candy Cottage in Idaho Falls for 15 years.

Yasaitis is still trying to solve the mystery of which hours are best for BoDo customers, who are more of a nights-and-weekends crowd than Idaho Falls has. While the store is now open from afternoon to night, its hours have shifted and might still change.

The store — decorated in a delicate early 20th century style — has one full-time and two part-time employees. They sell chocolates and other confections, including homemade fudge, caramels, toffee and truffles, as well as gelato.

The store’s grand opening celebration starts at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6. The owners hope to turn a profit around Christmas.

Q: Why did you open another shop?

A: [We] needed to expand operations. Equipment [in Idaho Falls] can outproduce local capacity.

Q: What makes your shop different?

A: We make all of our candies in small batches daily. We sample our products and have beautiful packaging.

Q: What has been most challenging?

A: Retail in general, since the economy has been slow.

Q: What’s your goal for the next three to five years?

A: Eventually to open a second retail store in Boise.

Audrey Dutton: 377-6448