With silky-smooth chocolate notes, nutty richness, and a delicate crunch, it’s no surprise that Dubai Chocolate became a foodie sensation on social media.

But the “real” thing is localized to the Middle East, as the original was first produced and distributed in 2021 by Dubai-based FIX Dessert Chocolatier.

And while plenty of variations and spin-offs have since been produced throughout the U.S., few have been able to replicate the flavor profile and texture in full.

Among those few: Robinson Confections, a husband-and-wife duo that have created something truly special in their Hayden production facility and tasting room.

Their signature Dubai Chocolate Bar is the most highly awarded in its category in the United States, having earned five medals at the 2025 International Chocolate Salon Awards alone. One judge described the pistachio-filled treat as “pure indulgence, and a perfection of taste, texture, and overall satisfaction.”

Rather than rushing to market as the popularity of the treat surged, Pamela and Todd Robinson studied authentic bars and “reverse-engineered” the flavor profile and texture, ultimately recreating it with premium ingredients and no substitutes.

That patience certainly paid off: their Dubai Chocolate Bar earned three silver and two bronze medals at the 2025 International Chocolate Salon Awards, extending Robinson Confections’ multi-year awards streak that began in 2021.

Despite international recognition, Todd explained that “stable, intentional growth” remains the business model of Robinson Confections.

“We’ve built a strong local and regional market, and we’re careful not to overextend,” he added. 

Since starting their business seven years ago, the Robinsons have applied that business philosophy and were able to scale upward from humble beginnings at local makers’ markets in Coeur d’Alene and become a premium confection brand serving corporate clients and a growing e-commerce audience. 

The company itself began with a single product, Pamela’s family recipe for soft peanut brittle. Much like their later victory with the Dubai Chocolate Bar, the soft peanut brittle quickly gained traction and transformed a side project into a full-time enterprise. 

Today, Robinson Confections offers an expanded portfolio that includes multiple varieties of soft brittle, couverture-grade layered Belgian chocolates with inclusions, nearly a dozen liqueur-based English toffees, and its award-winning Dubai Chocolate Bar. 

Operationally, Todd and Pamela run the show entirely by themselves for most of the year, though they bring on an extra set of hands during the busy season. All products are handcrafted in-house using imported Belgian chocolate and carefully sourced ingredients, never compromising quality even as demand and production prices rise. 

That commitment to quality is what allows the couple to continue their mission — which, as Pamela explained, is making luxury confections accessible both to their community and every retailer they work with. 

“We’ve always aimed to build something that feels genuinely luxurious,” Pamela said. “Every detail matters.”

    Robinson Confections' production, distribution, and tasting room are all located at 9991 N. Lyle Loop in Hayden.