In the 1850's, Etienne Guittard embarked on an arduous journey from France to America. It was during the California Gold Rush, and in just a few short years, while still in his twenties, this adventuresome Frenchman struck gold on the rough and tumble streets of early San Francisco.An experienced chocolate maker, Etienne had brought delicious French chocolate to trade for mining supplies, but soon discovered that wealthy miners were willing to pay premium prices for this elegant treat. Etienne sailed back to Tournus, France, where he worked in his uncle's chocolate factory until he could afford to buy his own chocolate making equipment. In 1868, he returned to San Francisco and opened Guittard Chocolate on Sansome Street.
