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Working Toward Some Sweet Success

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By DEREK MAUL | The Brandon News

Published: March 6, 2007

Richard and Julie Fitzpatrick
Business: Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Stein Mart Plaza on Lithia-Pinecrest Road, which opened Feb. 3
Married: 1988
Children: Megan (16) and Ryan (10)

Richard Fitzpatrick said he's been gobbling Peterbrooke chocolates for years.

So when the timing was right to launch a business with his wife, Julie, a Valrico franchise of Peterbrooke Chocolatier seemed the obvious choice.

In 2002 a near-fatal traffic crash on Adamo Drive effectively ended Richard Fitzpatrick's 11-year career as a sheriff's deputy.

"I spent several years in uniform patrol," Fitzpatrick said, "then worked undercover narcotics, coordinating with the FBI and the DEA. It was a great experience."

Great enough that he earned a Distinguished Service Award for bravery and Deputy of the Year honors in 2000.

Fitzpatrick has also been featured a number of times on the syndicated television show "Cops."
After 2003 Fitzpatrick enjoyed a long stint as stay-at-home dad.

"It was wonderful to share that time with Megan and Ryan," he said. "It was priceless to be home with them and see all those things I'd missed before."

Previous to becoming a deputy Fitzpatrick served six years as a fireman with the U.S. Air Force based out of San Antonio, Texas.

"It was wonderful to jump on a fire truck," he said, "but we always knew this area was going to be home. The only (law enforcement) agency I applied to was Hillsborough County."

One month into the chocolate adventure and the former deputy is enjoying his new work culture.
"It's wonderful to deal with people who come in the door smiling instead of answering calls when people are in trouble," Fitzpatrick said. "They come through the door and the smell hits them. The chocolate aroma. Everyone's happy and in a good mood. I love it."

Peterbrooke Chocolatier Inc. was founded in 1983 in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville. Founder Phyllis Geiger named the business after her children, Peter and Brooke.

The 3476 Lithia-Pinecrest Road location is the first Tampa area franchise.

One of the great appeals to Fitzpatrick is the opportunity to work with his wife, Julie.

"I'm the talker," Richard Fitzpatrick said. "Julie has an accounting background. She most recently worked as a trust accountant with Carlton Fields Law."

Fitzpatrick's family moved from Kentucky to Tampa when he was 3.

"I was raised here," he said. "I graduated from King High in 1985. Julie and I were high school sweethearts."

Peterbrooke's signature products are chocolate-covered popcorn and a variety of hand-dipped items. Additionally, gelato is huge draw.

"Ice cream is made from cream and gelato from whole milk," Fitzpatrick said. "Gelato has less butter fat, no whipped air and fewer calories. You taste the flavor quicker."

The gelato is supplied by Serena's of Jacksonville.

"We're supplying all the Peterbrook stores in Florida as they open," said Serena Selzer. "It's something different, trendy. Our business is exploding. People are embracing European trends and right now it's very chic. The flavor is better, and at half the fat you can't go wrong."

Fitzgerald is impressed with the Brandon business climate.

"It seems a very close-knit group here," he said. "People read the local paper and we've already been welcomed with that hometown feel."

"Everyone's been great," Julie said. "People are happy when they come in here."

The couple couldn't be happier with the way things have started.

"We love the company," Julie Fitzgerald said, "we love the product, and we can be creative."

"What's happened is as a family we all work together on certain days," Richard said. "Sundays is our family day. We're open 1 to 6 p.m. and we don't bring in the employees. I don't know how many opportunities you have in life for that."

And they're anxious to share the joy.

"The chocolate's delicious and the atmosphere is wonderful," Fitzpatrick said. "If you like chocolate you've just got to come in. Come and introduce yourself. Try a sample. We want to meet you."
For more information about the store, call 643-8500.

Derek Maul is a writer who lives in Valrico. You can reach him at derekmaul@gmail.com.

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