The Chocolate Line’s Recipe for Success: Passion, Innovation & Seamless Payments with Worldline.

What does it take to turn a passion into a thriving business? Dominique Persoone, one of Belgium’s most daring business leaders and chocolatier, has built an business on creativity, innovation, and risk-taking. From his early days experimenting with bold flavours to running The Chocolate Line, a Michelin-recognised chocolate shop with locations in Bruges and Antwerp, Dominique’s journey is one of persistence, vision, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

But running a business isn’t just about making incredible chocolate. As the company grew, so did the need for fast, reliable payment solutions. Enter Worldline’s Saturn 1000F2—a payment terminal that ensures speed, security, and efficiency, allowing The Chocolate Line to focus on what they do best: crafting exceptional chocolates.

From chef to chocolatier: A passion for innovation

Before chocolate, there was cooking. Dominique trained as a chef in three-star Michelin restaurants in Paris, where he discovered his love for flavour experimentation. But his father had one piece of advice that changed everything:

"Life is too short—go after your dreams."

Taking that advice to heart, Dominique shifted from haute cuisine to chocolate, opening a small shop with his wife in Bruges. It was not easy. People saw chocolate as "boring", and the idea of mixing chocolate with cauliflower, bacon, or beetroot raised eyebrows. But these creative ideas were central to Dominique’s vision.

Slowly, gastronomy experts took notice, and soon, The Chocolate Line was creating pralines for Belgium’s most prestigious restaurants. Recognition in the Michelin Guide cemented the brand’s place in the culinary world. Today, The Chocolate Line is a must-visit for chocolate lovers, with locations in Bruges and Antwerp and a reputation for blending artistry with flavour.

Scaling up: The need for new business models and a reliable payment solution

Growing from a small family shop to an international name wasn’t just about making great chocolate, it required efficient business operations. As The Chocolate Line expanded, Dominique realized that an innovative business model was essential to support this growth. With more customers visiting The Chocolate Line’s stores, Dominique knew that every part of the business needed to run smoothly, including payments.

Why does a payment terminal matter?

• Customers expect quick, hassle-free transactions.
• Slow payment processing can lead to long queues and lost sales.
• Tourists and locals alike use different payment methods, and cash is becoming rare.
• Security is essential, —fraudulent transactions can cost businesses dearly.

“Customers don’t have time to waste,” Dominique explains. “If the payment terminal lags, we lose money. We needed a supplier that guarantees speed, security, and efficiency.”

That’s when The Chocolate Line turned to Worldline and the Saturn 1000F2.

How Worldline’s Saturn 1000F2 transformed payments for The Chocolate Line

The Saturn 1000F2 was the perfect fit for The Chocolate Line. Here is why in 5 remarks:

1. Faster transactions = Happier customers
   The Saturn 1000F2 is built for speed and reliability. Customers can tap, insert, or swipe their cards, and the payment goes through instantly. No lag, no frustration.
   
   
2. Supports all payment methods
   From contactless payments to mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, the terminal ensures that no sale is lost due to payment limitations.
   
   
3. Secure & fraud-proof
   With built-in advanced encryption and fraud detection, The Chocolate Line can process transactions with confidence, knowing customer data is protected.
   
   
4. Works Seamlessly in a fast-paced business
   Whether in the Bruges flagship store or the Antwerp shop in Napoleon’s former palace, the Saturn 1000F2 ensures smooth operations—even during peak hours.
   
   
5. Fair transaction fees for all purchases
   Unlike some providers that charge high fees for international transactions, Worldline offers a balanced, transparent fee structure, making it cost-effective for small and large purchases.

From Rolling Stones’ parties to global recognition 

The Chocolate Line isn’t just about selling chocolates in Belgium—it’s about pushing boundaries.

Dominique has travelled from Brazil to Tokyo, showcasing his chocolates at international culinary events. One highlight? Hosting the Rolling Stones’ birthday party.

To make the event unforgettable, he created a chocolate -sniffing machine, —originally a joke, but it went viral. This chocolate sniffing machine was a form of disruptive innovation that captured global attention and transformed the way people experienced chocolate. The machine became an instant sensation, with over 25,000 sold worldwide.

This fearless approach to business—experimenting, innovating, and daring to be different—is what makes The Chocolate Line unique.

The future: A family business led by the next generation 

After 32 years of passion and hard work, Dominique is now preparing to pass the reins to his son, Julius Persoone. While the company is not planning to open chocolate shops worldwide, growth is still on the horizon.

Key priorities for The Chocolate Line’s future:

• Maintaining quality while expanding operations.
• Strengthening business organisation for efficiency.
• Continuing to innovate while staying true to its roots.
• Exploring new business models will be key to maintaining efficiency and supporting the company’s growth ambitions.

Worldline’s Saturn 1000F2 remains an essential part of this vision, ensuring that as the business evolves, payments remain seamless.

Lessons from The Chocolate Line’s success 

• Follow your passion: Dominique started as a chef but trusted his gut to pursue chocolate, even when it seemed risky.
• Take smart risks: Whether it’s mixing unexpected flavours or creating a chocolate-sniffing machine, innovation pays off.
• Invest in the right tools: A business grows when its operations run smoothly—including payments.
• Never stop evolving: The world moves fast, and businesses must keep up—especially when it comes to customer experience.

A sweet success story powered by passion & technology 

The Chocolate Line is more than just a chocolate shop—it’s a story of ambition, creativity, and perseverance. Dominique and Julius Persoone continue to set new standards for Belgian chocolate, blending tradition with modern business practices.

With Worldline’s Saturn 1000F2, The Chocolate Line ensures its customers experience effortless payments, whether in Bruges, Antwerp, or beyond.

If you’re a business owner looking for a reliable, fast, and secure payment solution, Worldline’s Saturn 1000F2 might be the missing ingredient for your success.

Want to experience the difference? Learn more about Worldline’s payment solutions today.

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