Mall chocolate shop gearing up for big day

The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at Simi Valley Town Center is gearing up for the store's biggest annual sale event, Valentine's Day.

"It's one of the biggest lastminute holidays of the year. The 11th, 12th, 13th, we're very busy," said Jeff Trop, store owner and certified professional chef. "The 14th is the biggest day of the year for me. We start dipping strawberries into chocolate at 3:30 or 4 a.m. that day."

The chocolatedipped strawberries have been the biggest seller since the store opened on Valentine's Day in 2006. The store also features chocolate dippings on site which customers can watch.

Customers are encouraged to place orders early for Feb. 14. Chocolatedipped strawberries are available in gift packages of six or 12 strawberries.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is store number 700 at the mall, 1555 Simi Town Center Way in Simi Valley. For more information or to place an order, call (805) 527-1777 or e-mail RMCFSimiValley@aol.com.