SBA’s 2024 New Hampshire District Director Award Dancing Lion Chocolate, LLC Manchester

Richard Tango-Lowy founded Dancing Lion Chocolate in a rented kitchen in downtown Manchester in 2007, and in 2011 opened his Elm Street location, which has since become a global destination for fans of some of the world’s finest chocolate. Richard and his staff craft bonbons, bars, and confections onsite from small- farm and Heirloom-designated cacao beans, often working directly with farmers in places like Guatemala, Belize, and Puerto Rico. Dancing Lion Chocolate is well-known for authentic Mayan-style drinking chocolate, and the croissants and baked goods have gained a loyal following. Richard and his staff are proud to provide not only exceptional chocolate, but a one-of-a-kind experience that honors their mission to “surprise and delight every customer with perfect customer service and the highest quality products.” Richard has been honored as one of the world’s top chocolatiers, and his teachings and Dancing Lion Chocolate’s product sourcing and offerings have a global impact on the fine chocolate industry. 

Over the years Richard has taught hundreds of professional chocolatiers, has mentored local culinary students, and has leveraged the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, along with its local partner, the Excellence North Alliance to help local and international businesses learn to sustainably thrive. In 2011, Richard acquired a 504 SBA-backed loan from Granite State Economic Corporation (GSDC) and third-party Lender Centrix Bank to purchase and renovate the 917 Elm Street location. Since the very beginning, Richard has trusted the guidance and support of the NH Small Business Development Center and business advisor, Hollis McGuire, who commented, “Richard is not only an artist but also a fine businessperson. His approach to chocolate as a business has been process-oriented and consistent. As his financials will demonstrate, he understands how to establish, maintain, and grow a business that is both profitable and a community asset.”