Live from San Juan, Puerto Rico, I sat down with Elaine Shahab, co-founder of Chocobar Cortés, to talk about one of my favorite subjects in the world—chocolate.
In this episode, Elaine shares her Puerto Rico story, the 95-year family legacy behind Cortés Chocolate, and how a hurricane, a handful of old chocolate machines, and a lot of resilience helped shape one of the Caribbean’s most iconic brands. We dive into the history of Puerto Rico’s heyday, the rise of vertically integrated chocolate production in the Dominican Republic, and howChocobar Cortés reimagined chocolate as an ingredient—not just a dessert.
We also explore culture, philanthropy, and the powerful work of Fundación Cortés, including how art, education, and wellness intersect to create real social impact. From chocolate grilled cheese and frozen hot chocolate to an anti-gala rooted in Puerto Rican identity, this conversation goes far beyond food.
If you love entrepreneurship, legacy businesses, Puerto Rico history, or simply great chocolate—this episode is for you.
Guests
Elaine Shehab
Elaine Shahab is the co-founder of Chocobar Cortés and a steward of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic chocolate legacies. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Elaine comes from a retail and business background and is part of the family behind Cortés Chocolate, a company with more than 95 years of history and vertically integrated cocoa production in the Dominican Republic. Through Chocobar Cortés, she reimagined chocolate as a culinary ingredient—blending gastronomy, culture, and storytelling. Elaine is also deeply involved in philanthropy through Fundación Cortés, where she helps lead innovative programs at the intersection of art, education, wellness, and mental health in Puerto Rico.
