An Asheville-based chocolate company has raised $500,000 in an equity offering, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

French Broad Chocolates intends to raise $900,000, with $400,000 remaining to be sold, through 11 investors.

The company was founded in 2006 by Dan and Jael Rattigan. The chocolates were initially made in their home kitchen and were sold online and at local farmers markets.

In 2008, French Broad Chocolate Lounge opened in downtown Asheville. In 2012, as demand increased, the Rattigan’s opened French Broad Chocolate Factory and Tasting Room.

The company is focused on sustainability, environmentally friendly practices and being a bean-to-bar business. They are currently in the final stages of becoming a Certified B Corp, and are a three-star Certified Green Restaurant through the Green Restaurant Association.

Over the past 10 years, French Broad Chocolates has grown from a two-person business to a company that employs over 80 people in the Asheville community.

In August, the company announced it will be relocating to a 12,000-square-foot facility in the spring. The change will enable the chocolatiers to increase annual production from 18 tons to 50 tons.

Additionally, French Broad Chocolates is relocating its creamery, which will allow it to triple production.

In 2017, French Broad Chocolates won four International Chocolate Awards.

The company filed the form on Sept. 18 and did not disclose what it intended to do with the funds.

Companies relying on a Reg D exemption do not have to register their offering of securities with the SEC, but they must file what’s known as a Form D electronically with the SEC after they first sell their securities.

The filing can be found here.