Antidote: Doug, can you give us an overview of what Papageno’s is all about?
Papageno’s: We are a small business that features and supports other small businesses. We are all about celebrating small producers who create amazing products, tell great stories, and use clean ingredients. Antidote is part of our very popular World Tour Through Chocolate Bars, which showcases six continents, seventeen countries, thirty-five brands, and over 100 varieties of chocolate bars—ranging from traditional to truly unique.
Antidote: I love how beautifully curated your store is, offering so many delicious discoveries. While high-quality, clean foods like the ones you carry often come at a higher price compared to mainstream products as clean pure ingredients are inherently more valued. What do you wish more consumers understood about the value behind your offerings?
Papageno’s: We are proud that all of our food offerings are all-natural and non-GMO, just as we are proud to exclusively support small producers. We recognize that these commitments inherently make our products premium, value that is added because of product integrity and ingredient choices.
Antidote: Your chocolate selection at Papageno’s is truly impressive! You’ve been a buyer for decades, curating selections for various ventures, including The Tin Building by Jean-Georges in New York's historic seaport district. What criteria do you use when selecting products?
Papageno’s: As mentioned, we insist on clean ingredients and supporting small producers. But the product must also tell a story and fill a niche in our shop. What is its history? Why is this product important? What story does it tell, and how does it enhance the overall experience of its category? These are essential principles for us.
Antidote: What do you appreciate most about Antidote, and what keeps customers coming back for more?
Papageno’s: First and foremost, Antidote is a quality-driven brand. The bars don’t just speak through their flavors but through the stories and meaning behind their names. I also love the fun, whimsical, and daring flavor profiles.
My personal favorite—no surprise—is the Anise + Tomato Antidote bar. The final tasting note is nothing short of delightful. The way it evokes the experience of picking a sun-ripened tomato straight off the vine? Divine. It’s discoverable, it’s an experience, it tells a story.
Antidote: Aside from sustainability and direct trade, how do you think products from small producers impact quality and flavor?
Papageno’s:, Like many in the hospitality world, I started in operations. One of the most important lessons I learned from a senior manager and mentor was this: The higher up the ladder you climb, the less control you have over things. He was referring to the guest experience, but I believe the same philosophy applies to producers.
A small producer is more engaged in the quality process. They are eager to produce something amazing and present it to the world. Big companies don't have the interest or the time, they care about mass production.
Antidote: What do we wish more consumers knew about Papageno's?
Papageno’s: We offer a sense of discovery - we are all about celebrating food, and love that everyone has their own passions about food. If everyone liked the same thing, the world would be a very boring place. We embrace diversity of food passions and celebrate it. That is why we have such a broad variety of items, a celebration!
Antidote: Do you have an online shop, and do you ship nationwide?
Papageno’s: We do, primarily geared for local pick-up, however, we will happily ship nationwide. We are eager to share our experiences with others, regardless of their ZIP code!