SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Yellowknife's king of spice has turned sweet on the city's downtown chocolate factory.

Chef Kaven Paradis, owner of Fuego and Twist, has purchased The Chocolatier from former owner Leanne Tait.

Paradis confirmed the purchase, which closed on Friday, to Yellowknifer yesterday.

The famously tight-lipped restaurateur offered not a hint about his plans for the YK Centre shop, saying only, "I would like to wait a week or so, because there's a few things I'd like to get done.

"I'd like to do a much better job at it."

The Chocolatier joins Fuego, Twist and World Catering and Banquet Services - formerly Our Place, which Paradis acquired in August 2009 - in the chef's ever-expanding line of businesses.

Tait, who co-owns Tait Communications, said her parting with The Chocolatier, which she opened in late 2007, is bittersweet.

"You can go through life and you can say, 'Oh, you know, it sure would be great if we did this or did that and woulda-coulda-shoulda,'" she said. "I am so fortunate because I got to have the dream and make it happen and live it and then be able to say, 'Okay, it's time to give birth to this baby and send it off on its own now.'

"It's sad to see that chapter closing ... but I am so fortunate because I got to do it. And you know what? I'd do it again."

Tait said she has no current plans to start another business.

Right now, some family time is in order, she said.

"I need to take a little bit of personal time to myself and I need to spend a little more time with my kids, truly. They need me more than the chocolate shop."

Under Tait's tenure, The Chocolatier branched out into a small display at the Yellowknife Direct Charge Co-op and is a significant feature on the YK Centre's outdoor electronic sign.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.