A tasty way to revitalize downtown Trail

Daniel Haley is the passionate entrepreneur behind Casa Di Cioccolato and the creator of Bike Alley

Trail's Casa Di Cioccolato in July 2014. — photo courtesy of Daniel Haley

Casa Di Cioccolato is a culinary gift shop specializing in virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, chocolates, teas, coffees and gourmet gifts. Owner Daniel Haley focuses on bringing gourmet, organic foods to the community of Trail as well as helping to make the downtown core a fun place to be.

Since moving back to his hometown in 2012, Haley has been on a mission to beautify the downtown core and make it a friendly place to live and visit. He brings a wealth of experience as a former town councillor in Tofino and 30 years as a retail business owner.

Why open a business in Trail?

“The photos I saw of the Communities in Bloom projects and how beautiful the city was planted the seed,” said Haley. “(Since I was) relocating from the ocean, having access to the downtown waterfront made an easy transition for my new business.”
Haley wants his shop to reflect the flavour of Trail’s inhabitants, many of whom descend from Italian immigrants who arrived in the last century to work for the mine and smelter.

“I was looking for a business that was going to be fun and interactive with the customers,” said Haley. “When I found the tasting shops, I absolutely loved the idea. And it is a fit—olive oils are truly Italian related. And who doesn’t love organic hand-dipped chocolate?”

With a newly added coffee press, customers can now enjoy an organic coffee. Then perhaps Haley will put the “Back in five minutes” sign on the door and introduce them to Bike Alley, a type of urban decor incorporating retired bicycles.

“After meeting people and introducing them to my love of tasting, the next best part of having a specialty shop in downtown Trail is showing them the back alley,” said Haley, son of Olympic athlete Joe Haley. “When I see the look of awe and excitement on their faces as they spot the different coloured bicycles, that’s what puts the fire in my belly.”