Nestled in the charming Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City, Hatch Family Chocolates is more than just a candy store; it’s a destination. Even years after the television cameras packed up following the short-lived reality show “Little Chocolatiers,” Steve Hatch remains the heart and soul of this beloved chocolate shop, crafting exquisite hand-dipped chocolates and sharing his story with every visitor who walks through the door.
Perhaps you vaguely recall “Little Chocolatiers,” the TLC reality series from 2010 that offered a glimpse into the lives of Steve and his wife, Katie, as they navigated the world of artisanal chocolate making. The show, while brief, served its purpose: it put Hatch Family Chocolates on the map. Steve, with his characteristic dry wit, jokes about the show’s quick disappearance, quipping, “Apparently, we’re boring.” However, the truth is, the show significantly boosted their business, leaving a lasting positive impact that extends far beyond fleeting television fame. Today, the focus is squarely back on what truly matters: the exceptional chocolates themselves.
Alt text: Steve Hatch, co-owner of Hatch Family Chocolates, warmly engages with customers in his Salt Lake City chocolate shop.
When TLC first approached Steve about a reality show, he was under no illusions about the network’s angle. “Obviously, it was the novelty, the cuteness, of two little people running a shop,” he reflects. Steve is 3-foot-9, and Katie is 4-foot-2. He clarifies the terminology, explaining that “little people” is the accepted term, “dwarves” the scientific term, and the “M-word” utterly unacceptable.
Initially hesitant, Steve declined the offer. However, TLC persisted. A pivotal conversation with a friend, also a little person, shifted his perspective. The friend advised them to “Get over it. You’re always going to stand out,” and emphasized the opportunity to showcase the independence and normalcy of life for little people, alongside the business benefits. Steve and Katie reconsidered and agreed to the show.
“We’re different,” Steve acknowledges. “You can resent it or embrace it. Ultimately, we wanted some other little person to realize he or she could do what they wanted. We decided to jump on it. It was the chance of a lifetime.” While the TV spotlight has faded, Steve remains philosophical and grounded. “Our chocolate shop is our priority; we didn’t do it to be TV stars,” he asserts.
The roots of Hatch Family Chocolates are deeply intertwined with family legacy. Steve’s personal journey has been shaped by family, both in joy and in hardship. Following the tragic loss of his mother in a car accident, his father, Jerry, remarried, bringing Steve into a large blended family of eleven children, where he was the only little person. He speaks with warmth and gratitude about his stepmother, who “always treated me as one of her natural children” and played a crucial role in fostering his independence, raising him with the same expectations as his siblings.
Alt text: An enticing display of hand-dipped chocolates at Hatch Family Chocolates in Salt Lake City, showcasing the artisanal quality of their confectionery.
Despite facing unique challenges, Steve’s life is a testament to his resilience and drive. He was senior class president in high school, student body president at Utah Valley University, served an LDS mission, interned with a former Utah governor, and even worked in disability advocacy. Despite his active involvement and leadership roles, he candidly admits struggling academically and eventually leaving college at 30 without a degree. “I still didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he explains. “I had a lot of interests, but everything I had done was centered around people.”
Fate intervened at a little people’s conference where he met Katie Masterson, whose family ran a pub in Chicago. He moved to Chicago, but the cold climate drew him back to Utah. Katie followed shortly after, and they married. It was then that his path became clear, inspired by a cherished family tradition. His grandmother, Hazel Hatch, was renowned for her incredible hand-dipped chocolates, a skill passed down to his father. Steve and Katie decided to carry this legacy forward, establishing Hatch Family Chocolates. Katie now expertly hand-dips the chocolates in the shop’s basement, while Steve focuses on quality control and customer interactions, joking about his self-proclaimed “quality control” role with a wink.
“It takes a fine hand to dip chocolates and someone who’s patient,” Steve explains, readily admitting his own lack of aptitude for the task. “I stink at it. Chocolate is temperamental.” He highlights the difference between hand-dipped chocolates and mass-produced, conveyor-belt chocolates. Hand-dipping results in a richer, thicker chocolate coating, a hallmark of Hatch Family Chocolates’ superior quality.
The location of Hatch Family Chocolates in the Avenues neighborhood was a deliberate choice. Steve and Katie wanted to create a community hub, a place where locals could gather, socialize, and savor not only their signature chocolates but also pastries, ice cream, hot chocolate, and shakes – all things cocoa-related. “I am lucky,” Steve says with genuine warmth. “I get to meet so many people coming in. It’s fun to see what everyone’s backgrounds are.”
Alt text: Katie Hatch, co-founder of Hatch Family Chocolates, expertly hand-dipping chocolates, a traditional method that ensures the premium quality of their products.
Steve’s welcoming personality, infectious smile, and firm handshake immediately put visitors at ease. If he harbors any resentment towards life’s challenges, it’s not apparent. His warm hospitality and engaging conversations are as much a draw as his delectable chocolates. “You take what you get,” he states with acceptance. “Some of life stinks. I could sit in my house and feel sorry for myself and think life’s unfair… Or I can get off the couch and just keep going. It’s OK to be afraid of things, but you still have to do it.”
Addressing the inevitable attention he and Katie attract due to their height, Steve offers a thoughtful perspective. “Anybody who’s different is going to be stared at. I can’t fault people for that. But some of it — like someone saying, ‘Look at the midget!’ — that’s the equivalent of the N-word.” He acknowledges the novelty aspect of their presence, “Look, it’s obvious that Kate and I are a novelty. Some people come in here who just want to check out the little people. Whatever gets them in the door. The thing that brings them back is the quality of our product.”
Steve’s resilience and positive outlook are truly inspiring. Hatch Family Chocolates is more than just a business; it’s a testament to family, perseverance, and the sweet taste of success achieved by embracing individuality and crafting exceptional, hand-dipped chocolates that keep customers coming back for more.
