One of the first things John D’Onofrio did when moving to Denver nearly 50 years ago was head to his local U.S. Bank branch – on Colorado Boulevard – to open an account. Over the decades, D’Onofrio maintained his relationship with the branch as his life and career evolved. Nearly 40 years later in 2015, he worked with that same branch to help fund a storefront for his family’s chocolate business, Stargazer Fine Chocolates. 

The business, which is right next door to and shares a wall with the branch, just celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Led by master chocolatier Karen Ziegler, Stargazer has made a name for itself creating handcrafted truffles, chocolate bars, nut- and fruit-filled bark, specialty items, and branded chocolate bars for businesses across the nation. 

As Stargazer and U.S. Bank have grown together over the years, D’Onofrio and Ziegler have relied on their bankers through every stage — from initial funding and opening business banking deposit accounts to securing Small Business Association loans during a brief COVID shutdown. D’Onofrio credits the strong relationships for much of the success they have enjoyed. 

“When I walk into the branch, I am greeted by smiles. And not just by the person I’m going to see that day,” he said. “The old-fashioned banking relationships that we created 50 years ago have continued to this day. U.S. Bank has looked out for me and our business, and countless small businesses in this area.” 

Watch the video linked above to see how Stargazer’s partnership with U.S. Bank has shaped its journey.