The Newlywed Kids In The Candy Store

Written by Tony Adams
2 Comments
E-mail Print PDF
Share/Save/Bookmark

Forrest Gump’s momma always said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.” Stephen Shuster and Bill Renaud got the unexpected last year when they simultaneously got married and got ownership of Kilwin’s, the addictive artisanal chocolate emporium on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The new partners in love and in business are amazed at how drastically their lives have changed in the past few months.



Stephen, who grew up in Ohio and came to Fort Lauderdale 12 years ago via a professional transfer as a corporate trainer for Planet Hollywood, protests when Bill calls him a “Las Olas icon”, but the description fits. He worked at Mango’s, he managed Dazzles, and he was recruited by the previous owners of Kilwin’s to manage their 15 year-old store that is one of the top 10 franchises in the 82 store national chain. Stephen is also a member of the board of directors of the Las Olas Association, and is the chairperson of the annual “Christmas on Las Olas”, a popular 40 year tradition.

Bill, who is a Canadian from Ottawa, was a successful realtor before becoming a business coach for top-selling realtors. He was a Victoria Park resident before he met Stephen, and is now frequently found at the nearby shop, having easily made the switch from corporate suit to colorful Kilwin’s polo shirt and shorts. Bill is working to acquire a 3-year visa and eventually a green card. Meanwhile, he is legally bound to return to Canada between six-month intervals, and although he jokes that “Steve found the return sticker and is sending me back”, the uncertainty of his status is something the men could do without as they blend their lives and grow their business.

When asked about how they met, Stephen responds “Which story do you want, the one we told our parents or the real one?” The parents had received a “We met at Starbuck’s” version of their initial online cruising encounter that led to a meeting in November of 2009. Stephen moved into Bill’s place in January of 2010, after having informed Bill on their second date “You are going to marry me.” Bill had been in a relationship for 25 years after which he had been dating for five years. When Stephen’s roommate moved out and when Bill invited him to share his large and rather empty home in Victoria Park, Stephen made the move knowing that he still had a few weeks left on the lease of his apartment in case things did not go well. This bit of caution in the whirlwind of their romance, was perhaps rooted in the fact that this would be 45 year-old Stephen’s first and only serious relationship.

Bill, whom you might wrongly expect to be the more cautious and settled of the two, says “With Steve, I never know what to expect next, and I love it. I’m 55 and I feel like I’m starting over. When I met him, I acquired a whole new set of friends, and I had never had a pet until he gave me a puppy when we got married.” Steve’s friends, referred to as his posse, were “bridesmaids” at their wedding at the Sunshine Cathedral on November 12, 2010. The couple had been legally married in Ottawa two months earlier, but Steve wanted a large church wedding as a way of demonstrating, proclaiming and celebrating his commitment to Bill with friends and family. They held the reception at the venerable Riverside Hotel on Las Olas where the guests were treated to a lavish abundance of Kilwin’s finest.

Throwing a huge wedding is daunting, but theirs became complicated when the owners of Kilwin’s, made nervous by the possibility of losing their soon-to-be-married manager, offered to sell them the business. According to franchise rules, owners must notify corporate management of their intent to sell. In this case, the corporation responded with the fact that there was another buyer lined up. The owners felt strongly about selling their store to Stephen who had been largely responsible for its success for many years. In order to fend off the other interested party, Stephen and Bill would have to move incredibly fast to seal the deal. Twelve days after the wedding, the couple acquired the business. Obviously there was no time for a honeymoon, nor has there been since.

Stephen and Bill have plans to give their store a facelift this summer. They are considering a stamped tin ceiling and vintage tile walls to increase the old world atmosphere without dismantling its Pop-and-Pop charm. Some of their signature products are made on the aromatic premises drawing a dedicated customer base of locals and tourists who return religiously. In addition to their vast array of delectable chocolates, their selection of Kilwin’s legendary ice cream is a big seller. They have stepped up their outreach to the local gay community and have begun distributing samples to gay guesthouses. They plan to remain as owners of Kilwin’s and active in the community for many years to come.

When looking back at the upheaval of the past few months, Bill laughs hugely when he says “Neither of us ever expected any of this to happen, but if you are open to change, good things do happen. It’s all great. A hell of a ride, but great.” The men seem to subscribe to Kilwin’s motto “Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” Stop by 809 East Las Olas Boulevard for a taste of the sweet life of Stephen Shuster and Bill Renaud.