Meet the Owner/Chocolatier

Hello!

My name is Bebette Smith (Nee Marie Helene Vanden Brugge). I was born and raised in Belgium where I met my husband Larry. After our marriage and several assignments in Europe, Larry and I ended up at  Fort Gordon, Georgia.

We both really liked it here and decided to make Augusta our home.

After a 20 year career in the teaching field, and wanting a career change, I attended the Chocolate Academy in Wieze, Belgium where I learned the basics of chocolate making under Jean Pierre Wybauw, renowned Belgian chocolatier.

The original La Bonbonniere opened in June 2005, at Fury's Ferry Station in Augusta, GA and offers a variety of "pralines" as we call them in Belgium. In March of 2021 we were fortunate enough to open a second location in Aiken, SC. Our chocolates are made on the premises in Augusta using Callebaut chocolate, fresh ingredients and traditional Belgian recipes.

Come and see us to sample our many chocolates!