When Community Becomes the Sweetest Ingredient

Walk into Yahara Chocolate & Tea in downtown Stoughton and you’ll quickly discover that it’s much more than a chocolate shop.

It’s a place where every chocolate bar has a story, every cup of tea is thoughtfully chosen, and owner Brook Johnson delights in helping customers discover something they’ve never tasted before.

In fact, Brook's path to owning Yahara Chocolate & Tea was anything but conventional. He studied molecular genetics at Grinnell College before eventually discovering a passion for entrepreneurship, pottery, and ultimately, fine chocolate.

From Pottery Studio to Chocolate Shop

Brook's handmade pottery remains part of Yahara Chocolate & Tea, reflecting the shop's creative beginnings. After a while, however, something felt missing.

"The shop felt empty," Brook recalled. "I really love chocolate, so I found an importer. They asked if I had a storefront, and when I said yes, they handed me a catalog. I picked about 20 of my favorite chocolate bars and put them on one tiny shelf in the corner."

That Christmas changed everything.

"I sold more chocolate that Christmas than anything else in the entire shop," he laughed. "I thought, 'Well… I guess people like chocolate.' Then I ordered more, and it just kept growing."

As chocolate continued to take over the shop, the business naturally evolved. In 2019, Brook officially rebranded as Yahara Chocolate & Tea, reflecting what had become the heart of the business.

Today, Yahara Chocolate & Tea is one of downtown Stoughton's most unique destinations, offering hundreds of carefully curated chocolate bars and more than 400 varieties of tea.

Brook believes the success of his business says as much about Stoughton as it does about chocolate.

“Downtown Stoughton is amazing because there are so many people in such a small area who are interested in so many different things,” he said. “We’re kind of like the “Cheesers” of chocolate.”

He loves introducing customers to chocolates from around the world and sharing the stories behind the farmers, makers, and regions where they’re produced.

“It’s really fun to educate people about what makes chocolate so amazing.”

Supporting the Community That Supports You

One of the reasons Yahara Chocolate & Tea regularly donates to organizations like St. Ann School is simple: community matters.

“I love giving back to the organizations that help keep Stoughton strong,” Brook said. “The amount I can contribute may not be huge, but helping keep schools vibrant and fundraisers going is my way of giving back.”

He believes that local businesses and local organizations create something bigger together.

“People intentionally come back and shop local. It creates a circular connection that’s really important for any small town.”

As a Main Street business owner, Brook knows firsthand how meaningful local support can be.

“Almost everyone downtown survives because people choose to shop locally. If Stoughton didn’t support what I offer, I’d have to offer less. What you see in my shop is really a reflection of how much this community supports it.”The carefully curated selection at Yahara Chocolate & Tea reflects the Stoughton community's continued support for shopping local.

Why Schools and Businesses Need Each Other

Brook also sees tremendous value in the relationship between schools and small businesses.

“I think it’s great when schools and businesses support each other,” he said. “Sometimes families don’t realize everything downtown Stoughton has to offer.”

Supporting one another helps strengthen the entire community.

“People naturally end up in little bubbles. When schools and businesses connect, it helps the whole community grow.”

Brook and Anne attending the 2026 St. Ann School gala at The Lageret in Stoughton. Photo credit: Elizabeth Priniski

Although many people know Brook as a business owner, fewer know that he and his wife homeschooled their children for nearly 20 years.

Their oldest son, Jason, attended St. Ann School for eighth grade before graduating from Stoughton High School.

That experience left a lasting impression.

“Being at St. Ann created a community for him that continued all through high school,” Brook said.

When it came time for their youngest daughter, Katie, they decided St. Ann School was the right next step.

“We knew her personality would love it.”

Her shadow day confirmed it.

Ironically, Katie visited on what many children might consider the least exciting day imaginable—a day filled with standardized testing.

Yet when she came home, she couldn’t stop smiling.

“She loved it,” Brook said.

Why?

“Someone invited her to play at recess.”

Sometimes it’s the smallest moments that make the biggest difference.

Confidence That Continues to Grow

Now entering fourth grade, Katie has flourished both academically and socially.

Brook has noticed her confidence growing throughout the year.

“She’s definitely much more confident now. You can hear it in the way she talks at the dinner table, how she explains things, and how comfortable she is interacting with people.”

Katie shows a piece of her self-made pottery at Yahara Chocolate & Tea.One memory stands out above the rest.

Watching Katie perform in the St. Ann School play — Disney's Beauty & The Beast Jr.

“Seeing her on stage as a third grader with speaking parts—that’s probably the most memorable thing from the year.”Katie (far left) performs as a Villager in St. Ann School's 2026 production of Disney's Beauty & The Beast Jr.A Community That Feels Like Family

When asked what makes St. Ann different, Brook didn’t hesitate.

“It’s the smaller community. We know so many people. It’s just a closer community.”

Katie says a reading at school Mass. Photo credit: Elizabeth Priniski

He also appreciates the relationships families build with teachers and school leadership.

“The Principal Stano is always there greeting people. You can talk with the teachers easily. Those connections really matter, especially for families looking for a different experience.”

For families considering St. Ann, he also wants them to know that tuition assistance makes a Catholic education more attainable than many realize.

“I’d tell them not to worry about that. Financial help is available for families who need it.”

If You’re Visiting Yahara Chocolate & Tea…

Of course, we couldn’t let Brook leave without asking for a recommendation.

His advice?

Don’t overthink it.

“I’ve tried every chocolate bar in the shop. If it isn’t good, it isn’t here.”

For adventurous chocolate lovers, he recommends fruit-forward bars like the Galápagos Orange or Amazonian Lemon chocolates.

Brook's chocolate pick of the month:

“The Heritage Chili Bar with Tangerine. I don’t normally like spicy chocolate, but the fruit, dark chocolate, and spice all work together perfectly.”

Brook admits he doesn't have just one favorite chocolate—but if he had to choose one this month, this would be it.

As for drinks?

Tea wins every time.

“I don’t drink coffee,” Brook laughed.

Instead, he enjoys one of Yahara’s house-made flavored syrups mixed with sparkling water over ice.

More Than Chocolate

Brook often says his business exists because of the people who walk through the door.

“Ninety-five percent of my yearly sales come from people who physically walk into the shop.”

It’s a reminder that every time we choose to shop locally, we’re doing more than making a purchase.

We’re investing in neighbors.

We’re strengthening community.

And we’re helping stories like Yahara Chocolate & Tea—and St. Ann School—continue to grow together.