A legendary Whitby chocolatier that makes and sells its own products and has been a fixture in Whitby for nearly 40 years is closing its doors for good on Friday, Nov. 8.
Williams Chocolate Factory, a family-owned business, has been a mainstay in the community since it first opened in 1985 will end its operations in less than a month.
Though details were slim, the owners in a post on their Facebook site on Oct. 2 said, after “40 amazing years” they were in the process of “planning our business retirement.”
Plenty of Williams Chocolate lovers chimed in on the store’s Facebook site to express their feelings about the news:
Yvonne Naterer: “Sad to see such a great company close … we loved your chocolate!!!”
Amanda Rolson: “Wish you a happy retirement. Such good memories from my childhood in Whitby. Will be making a trip before closing.”
AD Dee: “We will be lost without you.”
Tracey Piper Frank: “My mom’s favourite chocolate.”
Jill Bickle: “I realize things need to come to a close, but I hate it. You will be dearly missed.”
Davina Jones: “End of an era. We are definitely going to miss you! All my best to you all.”
The Whitby storefront at 460 Hopkin St., will only be open for a few more weeks. The owners are calling the decision a “bittersweet” one but insist the store will be full of “holiday treats, chocolate letters, Santas, snowmen, plaques and of course, all of our staples like barks and chocolates.
The store will be open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will also open Saturdays for the next few weeks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
