Should Estepa be represented by its smells, after cinnamon chocolate would be its second aroma, without a doubt, and should it be represented by its industry Rafael Jimenez’s chocolate factory would be among its top ones.
The unmistakable taste of those chocolate ounces still remains on many Estepeños palates and minds. Rafael Jimenez Perez, our great-grandfather, was born in 1867 in Estepa (Seville). He was known as the “tio del bigote” (the moustache man), due to the period moustache he was wearing on every chocolate ounce to avoid plagiarism.
According to the records of 1900, he was living at 22, calle Saladillo, and by that time he had purchased the Palacio del Marques de Oro (the Golden Marquis Palace).
In fact, at the end of the 19th century he was making chocolate under the brand “Rafael Jimenez”, located at 60 and 62 calle Castillejos.
In 1915 he started introducing electric motors into the chocolate manufacturing, obtaining great production at a more competitive price.
He sold two 350 grams chocolate bars for 1.50 pesetas, while his competitors sold them for 2 pesetas, which started an important competitive battle. To avoid being copied, he made moulds with his face on and a warning: “To avoid any imitation, I strongly beg you to please pay attention to the package because it contains my portrait, name and surname”.
He was an entrepreneur who accompanied his chocolate sales with cinnamon, Zanzibar clove, black pepper, mother clove, cumin, anise, black and green tea and sugared almonds.
His enterprising ability also allowed him to open a flour factory.
In 1926, his son Manuel travelled to Seville where he founded the Virgen de los Reyes Chocolate Factory.
After he passed away, two of his sons continued with the chocolate manufacturing in Seville. This factory was later sold to the Luca de Tena family, who were chocolate distributors at that time.
Afterwards, the business did not succeed and in the 50’s it was auctioned. Then our grandfather Antonio Gonzalez bought the business. He continued making his chocolates and bonbons, as well as delicious biscuits.
His great competence and experience as a businessman lead him to different areas. He built the Hotel Virgen de los Reyes, one of the most historical and traditional establishments in the town of Seville.
From all this history, Kukuchurro is born. A new “take away” concept, modernized but following the same ancestral recipe of our chocolate and the exquisite churros made by Alvaro Aroca, our Maestro Churrero. Kukuchurro will allow you to enjoy the most exquisite churros with chocolate single-handedly. You will be able to enjoy this wonderful product while walking with your family around this lovely city of Seville. This new venture comes from our heart to follow our ancestors’ tradition and to pass this magnificent recipe onto our descendants.
A new look for the Spanish tradition of chocolate with churros.
Thanks to Don Antonio Rivero Ruiz
for his article on Digital Cierra Sur for Seville
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