During the Morton Chocolate Fest January 30 to February 1 2026, The Coffee Lab hit $1,000,000 in historical sales.

Naperville, IL., June 19, 2026 – During Morton Arboretum’s annual Chocolate Weekend, The Coffee Lab hit $1,000,000 in historical sales. The event lasted from January 30th to February 1st, the first night being for Morton Arboretum members while the other two days were open to the public. 

With the attendance of The Coffee Lab’s chocolate partner, Mirna Rojas, owner of Chocolate Doña Pancha, the table was gaining considerable attention. Before the event was over, Chocolate Doña Pancha was almost entirely sold out of chocolate. Promotion for the event was done through Mirna visiting college classes at North Central College, a VIP reception event hosted by The Coffee Lab at Larrance Academic Center, and Mirna giving talks at Morton Arboretum during the Chocolate Weekend.  

The Coffee Lab has been in the practice of direct trade since its founding, including with Mirna Rojas. Through the success of the Chocolate Weekend, the $1,000,000 that was earned just reaffirms the direct trade model which functions on the Cycle of Mutual Empowerment: partners build sustainable livelihoods, students gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience, and customers support an ethical marketplace. 

For more information about the Chocolate Weekend, please visit the website HERE.

For more information about The Coffee Lab, please visit the website HERE.