Chocolate Maya Passes to New Owner After 15 Years

Longtime employee Willow Sprout takes over beloved Santa Barbara chocolatier

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a selection of premium chocolate bonbons and bars from Chocolate Maya, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic studio lighting to symbolize the craftsmanship and attention to detail that has made the shop a beloved Santa Barbara institution.The transition of Chocolate Maya to new ownership under a longtime employee preserves the shop's artisanal legacy and community-focused mission.Santa Barbara Today

After 15 years working at Chocolate Maya, Willow Sprout has taken over ownership of the beloved Santa Barbara chocolatier and bonbon boutique from founder Maya Schoop-Rutten. Sprout, who is also pregnant with her first child, has been learning the craft of chocolate-making from Schoop-Rutten and is excited to continue the shop's legacy.

Why it matters

The transition of Chocolate Maya to new ownership represents a rare instance of a long-standing local business in Santa Barbara smoothly passing to a trusted employee, rather than being sold to an outside party. This allows the shop's community-focused mission and artisanal chocolate-making traditions to continue uninterrupted.

The details

Willow Sprout started working at Chocolate Maya over 15 years ago as a City College student. Founder Maya Schoop-Rutten, who is originally from Switzerland, began teaching Sprout the craft of chocolate-making about a decade ago. When Schoop-Rutten expressed interest in retiring a few years ago, Sprout stepped up to take over the business last September. In addition to the chocolate shop, the space also includes a commercial kitchen that Sprout is now sharing with her friend Emma West Roldan, who opened the new Bodega Flower Girl business in the adjacent former gallery space.

  • Sprout started working at Chocolate Maya over 15 years ago as a City College student.
  • About a decade ago, Schoop-Rutten began teaching Sprout the craft of chocolate-making.
  • Schoop-Rutten expressed interest in retiring a few years ago.
  • Sprout took over ownership of Chocolate Maya in September of last year.
  • Sprout is also currently pregnant with her first child.

The players

Willow Sprout

The new owner of Chocolate Maya, who has worked at the shop for over 15 years and learned the craft of chocolate-making from the previous owner.

Maya Schoop-Rutten

The founder of Chocolate Maya, a restaurateur originally from Switzerland who opened the shop in 2007 and has now retired, passing the business to Sprout.

Emma West Roldan

Sprout's friend who has opened the new Bodega Flower Girl business in the space adjacent to Chocolate Maya, sharing the commercial kitchen.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Chocolate-making is one of those things that are really passed down in the old-school way of apprenticeship. She taught me everything she knows.”

— Willow Sprout, New Owner, Chocolate Maya

“Willow helped Chocolate Maya move forward in a very genuine way. I have been very lucky to have her on my side all these years. It made total sense to pass it around to her instead of some stranger.”

— Maya Schoop-Rutten, Founder, Chocolate Maya

What’s next

Sprout plans to increase the number of events Chocolate Maya serves, especially during the slower summer months, and continue the shop's tradition of offering a wide variety of ethically sourced chocolate bars, sipping chocolate, and customizable chocolate boxes.

The takeaway

The smooth transition of Chocolate Maya to new ownership under a longtime employee demonstrates how a community-focused, mission-driven local business can successfully pass the torch to the next generation, preserving its unique character and artisanal legacy.