Hamoody Houdroge with a variety of haute couture packaging for an incredible array of unmistakably rich
Lebanese chocolate flavors. PHOTO: Cameron Perkins Photography
signatures
His father’s youngest brother was rumored to have settled in Portland in 1970 after he and 10 friends applied to multiple universities across the U.S. They decided to all go to the state of the university that selected the majority of them, and Hamoody Houdroge’s path toward Oregon seemed inevitable as more of his father’s family moved out of Lebanon due to the continuing civil war. He followed and moved to the city in 1987. He revisited Beirut in 2000 for a wedding with his girlfriend with the intention of showing her the country through his eyes, and happened to pay a visit to the Hamoush family, childhood friends and owners of a renowned chocolate factory with boutiques throughout Lebanon, the Middle East, and Europe. Once she tasted their chocolates, she could only think about how to import them to the U.S. for sale. After two years of convincing the family, the first store in The Gregory in Portland’s Pearl District opened on March 3, 2003 as Verdun Chocolates . Now approaching its 21st year in the same spot and expanding and contracting throughout the various phases of downtown retailing and changes, the pronounced packaging of hand-wrapped colorful foils still sets the tone for elegant host gifts with a sweet edge. “The approach shouldn’t be novel,” Hamoody explains. “Just like any- thing of value, the packaging is the first thing you notice before you sample what’s inside. If your packaging is elegant, it should be certain
that what’s inside is a sweet treasure on its own.” The presentation couples on the firm’s virtue that exquisite flavor and texture should be beautifully presented. That is the formula that makes Verdun the ultimate choice for occasions of all types. In addition to the delicious taste, he also lists the benefits of how the company’s product is made. “Gluten-free, low sugar, no preservatives, organic, and no GMOs are the hallmarks of success with this type of product,” he notes. “We have served anyone and everyone who has come into our store in a welcoming way that showcases the product as the celebrity. The tradi- tion of fine product within fine packaging is meant to evoke that special feeling as they walk through this door.” While producing such a diverse portfolio of flavors is rewarding, he does make time to spend time with his two daughters, traveling, snowboard- ing, camping, and river activities. “I can see what kept my uncle here so many years ago,” Hamoody thinks back to a different cultural landscape. “We know that everyone loves the finer things in life, and that Verdun is there to always provide a special and unique gift for someone who has everything. Like fashion, these are statement pieces, but edible.”
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