Long before Shine, Founder Brandon Soto was already obsessed with the idea of total utilization of available resources — from creating delicious recipes using lemon pith to crafting cocktail garnishes from byproducts. A career in hospitality enriched that conviction.
How we found
our Shine.
When Brandon joined the team at Denver's Brutø — which earned a Michelin star and green star in September 2023 — it affirmed what he'd always believed: that the food and beverage industry held far more potential than it was using. Learning about commodity food chains, primarily cacao, raised the next question: How could we do better without sacrificing indulgence?
One day turned to day one. Shifting from intrigue to impact, Shine was born. By shedding a light on what's deemed to be "waste," we began reimagining a way to feed ourselves — and our neighbors globally — through small, incremental action.
Since March 2024, we've developed countless iterations of low-cacao chocolate alternatives — crafted from upcycled coffee and sake byproducts — to create a more socially and environmentally responsible, while equally delicious, experience to traditional chocolate.
Starting May 2026, find Shine at the Highlands Park Farmers Market in Denver — or order online for pickup or delivery anywhere in Colorado, and soon the world!