<p>The signature up-Island confectionery that is a Vineyard institution its own right will close at the end of the year, the owners have said.
The signature up-Island confectionery that is a Vineyard institution its own right, will close at the end of the year, the owners have said.
A letter went out to employees this week from owners Mary Beth Grady and Allison Burger informing them that they will close the store in December.
Letter posted on bulletin board at store.
Letter posted on bulletin board at store.
The letter is posted in the store, which recently reopened for Valentine’s Day.
“We are hanging up our aprons and gloves. We feel very fortunate to have had a chance to work with all of you and so many other inspiring people over the past 33 years,” it says in part.
The letter quotes Mother Teresa and also says the business will not be sold.
The business model for Chilmark Chocolates, which produces high-quality handmade chocolates and candy, is unique and includes training and employment for people with disabilities. The owners met when they were counselors at Camp Jabberwocky more than 30 years ago, and later became employees and then owners at Chilmark Chocolates.
“We feel it is important that people have a chance to reach their potential,” Ms. Grady said when she and her partner were honored as women of the year in 2015 by Women Empowered, an Island business group. “People with disabilities work side by side with others, and team members, each person doing what he or she is able. Work reminds us of our value.”
Despite the store’s wild popularity among summer and year-round residents alike, the store’s owners have never expanded and have followed a schedule that includes closing in August and at other times during the year.
The owners have also had a long policy of granting no interviews and allowing no press.
Comments
Both of you ladies are at the
Prudy Burt West TisburyBoth of you ladies are at the top of my list of personal heroes. You have run this business in such a mindful way and the world is a better place for it. Bravo, and all best to both of you (and your indefatigable staff) in your next incarnation.
Thank you Prudy Burt for
Eileen Hamblin Melrose, MAThank you Prudy Burt for expressing my own sentiments but so much more eloquently than I could. Every trip to Martha's Vineyard and every ferry reservation had to be timed to include days that Chilmark Chocolates would be open. I always wished I could emulate the Chilmark Chocolates business model. Blessings to all who gave us such pleasure for so many years.
My heart is breaking in the
Susan MattapoisettMy heart is breaking in the last 2 years there have been so many changes to my beloved island. Now we are losing one more tradition. Good luck ladies and thank you, I met great people in line outside your shop and ever greater ones on the inside!
Wowza!
Doug Casgraux Beverly Hills, CA,Wowza!
It's four years since that lovely summer on the Vineyard,
I'm afraid to ask, what else as changed?
/D!
I never felt it a
Mr. B ChilmarkI never felt it a responsibility to eat one of every chocolate in the store. Now, left to right sounds best.
The chocolates are lovely, dark, and deep,
And now I have a promise to keep,
And miles to go before I eat,
And miles to go before I eat.
Congratulations ladies.
TJ Hegarty West TisburyCongratulations ladies.
Enjoy traveling and exploring new and wonderful destinations.
I will miss you and will
Elaine Cawley Weintraub West TisburyI will miss you and will forever be grateful to you for the support you have given to my students over many years. Chilmark Chocolates could always be counted on to help where help was needed and I thank you from the bottom of my heart and wish you a wonderful next stage in your lives.
As I am in Ireland, I will send you an Irish blessing:
May the rain fall gently on your fields and the wind be always at your back and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand."
Opening a business is hard,
Kathryn Muir EdgartownOpening a business is hard, but operating it successfully for 33 years is hard work, dedication and a miracle. Congratulations for a fabulous run and making so many people happy over the years. Relax! go to the beach! you have earned it.
A great time to reflect on
Bear ChilmarkA great time to reflect on the roots of this business, how it has been conducted, the following it has generated, and most noteworthy, the obvious fact that it was not done for the money. I am sure an offer to sell would attract many solicitors, some who would pay dearly to have their name associated with an institution.
An important tradition of our
JoAnn West Chester, PAAn important tradition of our family’s vacation on Martha’s Vineyard is at least one visit to Chilmark Chocolates. I salute the way you have run your business and honor your decision to retire from this part of your life. I would, however, hope that you would sell your business with the requirement to continue your important personnel policies as well as your recipes. You will be sorely missed!
I heartily agree with JoAnn
Ann, ChilmarkI heartily agree with JoAnn from West Chester. Chilmark Chocolates has become too important and happy an Island institution for it to disappear forever into the mists of history. Please, please find a way to sell it, "with the requirement to continue your important personnel policies as well as your recipes." We lose so many cherished people and things in our lives. Must we lose Chil. Chocs., too?
This was also a tradition for
Bryant Templeton Washington, DCThis was also a tradition for my family! So sad to hear about this!
PLEASE sell it with
Deb Rusckowski New YorkPLEASE sell it with stipulations and policies to uphold your philosophy, but PLEASE don’t deny future generations of people with handicaps to miss out on the opportunity you gave many for years— which I know helped them in so many ways! Yes, chocolate, even as good as Chilmark Chocolates, can be replaced— but no one catered to the development and enhancing the dignity of the beautiful people with special needs as this institution has! PLEASE put these people’s needs before your own— SELL & LET THE STORE CONTINUE— DONT SHUT THE DOORS!!!
God bless you folks. You
John. V ChilmarkGod bless you folks. You have been a gift to MV and all who live here or visit.
When ever we travel off Island to visit friends & family, it is expected that Chilmark Chocolates will accompany us as gifts.
I am happy for you but so, so sad for all of us who will have to live without your wonderful Chocolates.
All my family members have
ANNE VERRET-SPECKAll my family members have been texting about this all day. It appears we'll be eating a LOT of chocolate this year! Thank you so much for the wonderful smells and tastes, and most of all for all you do for the community. You are inspiring and I wish you all the best.
Time marches on and changes
Pam Kaczer Cheshire CTTime marches on and changes occur. So many changes over the years. Chilmark Chocolates are superb and will be missed. These folks are a wonderful tribute to a business with an excellent product and a warm soul. You join a beloved group of yesteryear - The Islander, Chicama Vineyards, The Daggett House and now The Edgartown Inn. Thanks for offering such a great product.
It will be a very sad day in
Margaret ChilmarkIt will be a very sad day in Chilmark but I wish Allison and Mary Beth a very happy retirement. These two ladies work harder then anyone I know. Their is no one any more generous or caring . I am sure they will travel the world and still be helping others. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Along with the Scottish
Frances Mahncke Washington DCAlong with the Scottish Bakery, another Island treasure gone.......
Great role models to us all
Elise Hillman Green ChilmarkGreat role models to us all and a retirement well deserved. Your iconic presence will be missed!
Say it isn't so! Our children
Christine McCue Potts Medfield & Vineyard HavenSay it isn't so! Our children have grown up with you, and beyond eating the most delicious chocolates ever, they've learned that there is such a thing as a business with a heart and social consciousness. I can guarantee we will be making numerous stops into the store all year long, if only to make sure we continually say how much we love and will miss you. After more than three decades in operation, you've earned the right to take a break. Thank you for adding so much sweet memories to our lives!
The last thing my grandfather
Lydia Fischer Chilmark, MAThe last thing my grandfather, Ozzie Fischer, ate was a Chilmark Chocolates truffle. Mary Beth and Allison are truly exemplary members of our community. So sad to hear of this but I also send my love and support. Now to get me a LARGE box of Dark ABC.
So sad!!! These were simply
Arlen Roth AquinnahSo sad!!! These were simply the best chocolates EVER! Now, what are we gonna do??!
Our family had been visiting
Mark & Tess Szamatulski Trumbull, CtOur family had been visiting the Vineyard during the summer since the 1980s. I cannot remember when we first discovered Chilmark Chocolates but it has become a part of our vacation and our lives.
Congratulations on operating a business with such a great product while helping children extend their potential. Please step back and take a moment one day before you close and notice how you have made the world a better place. Chocolate covered blueberries, we will miss them.
I know the Frank family will
Scott Frank Chilmark/NYCI know the Frank family will miss you, but are also deeply grateful for the sweet times you've given us all these years. Thank you so much and good luck to you both in the future.
Thank you for many years of
Ken Schoenberg EdgartownThank you for many years of great chocolates and for all you did for the Special Needs people on the Island. I hope your future brings you as much pleasure as your products have for all of these years.
My whole family - kids,
Judy Kamienski Waynesboro, VirginiaIMy whole family - kids, grandkids & myself have been patrons of your wonderful candies for yrs. Everyone has always agreed that you make the best candies. We are spread from Va. to S. C. w/ some family members in N.C. We aren't able to get to M.Vineyard as often as we used to, but everyone was so surprised to learn that you will be closing your doors. Happy for you, but sad for us. Our best wishes to you. Hoping we can place a mail order before the end of the year.
Every family visit to the
DeNigris Family Bethel CTEvery family visit to the Vineyard over 25 years we have never missed a visit to Chilmark Chocolates. Thank you for your inspiration and dedication. You’ll be missed. Grace Happens...and... May your kindnesses forever be returned.
What a great place. MV wouldn
Jay Demarest, New JerseyWhat a great place. MV wouldn't be the same without it. Please reconsider!
Only one thing to say. Oh
Janis New York CityOnly one thing to say. Oh noooooooooo!
You have a business model
Brian Vineyard Haven/MiamiYou have a business model that works.
You give back to the community.
You employ the handicapped.
Why not sell it it to a non profit like Jabbawocky...
Or sell it to a for profit with the caveat that a percentage of the profits go to the Vineyard Community.
Or sell it and keep the proceeds or give the proceeds to a non profit...
You have an iconic business... if you do not want to profit from it...let the community benefit...
Buying and eating your
Jeff Winter Haines City, FLBuying and eating your deliciously prepared chocolate is a family tradition I’ve enjoyed for decades visiting the Vineyard. Everything changes except for the love of Jesus Christ that is the same yesterday, today and to,orrow.
We have been going to your
Marks Family Madison Ct./OBWe have been going to your store since it opened! You and your chocolates have brought so much joy to my family. You have become part of our family. Good luck and best wishes!
Chilmark Chocolates was my
Allie ParkerChilmark Chocolates was my very first job, they hired me when I was 11. I will never forget this experience. Thank you very much for having given me this opportunity and for your good will to others.
Oh Marybeth and Alison, the
Barbara Lindley ArizonaOh Marybeth and Alison, the chocolates are the world’s best.... but it was never about the chocolate!!!!
You and employees are truly
Sandra Siber Dedham, Massachusetts and East ChopYou and employees are truly so admired. A must stop when on the island. It has been a tradition ever since you were discovered. Happy for both of you but very disappointed for me. My family and I always looked forward to those mouth watering morsels of delight. Change is inevitable but.....so disappointed to read the news. All the best. Job well done by all. Thank you!
I wish you both a great next
Tim Boland West TisburyI wish you both a great next venture in life. Allison and Mary Beth-you have led by example,
humble, hard working and empathetic and so supportive of our Island community. I remember fondly sending my son into to the store to raise funds for the special "Schools Out" advertisement for the West Tisbury student newspaper. He was 11, brand new to MV, and full of anxiety because of his natural shyness. Not only did you welcome him, put him at ease - you donated to their cause, and many others over several years of giving. I remember his face when he walked out with a large box of chocolates you gave him, and a small one for Dad! The world was made better by your good works. Thank you!!!
Our first visit to M/V was in
Sharon MarlboroughOur first visit to M/V was in 2015. We now visit several times a year off season. One of the best experiences was when I met a woman named Barbara at Past and Presents in Edgartown. I will be forever grateful at the list of suggestions she gave us to get to know the Island like the locals do. We explored every suggestion and Chillmark Chocolates was one of them. We make several trips to this beloved landmark whenever we are on the Island. When I learned more about their business model, it made me love this treasure of a business even more. Thank you ladies for caring so much about your community and your product. Many blessings to you in your retirement. I will stock up this year and treasure every bite.
So so sad!
Sue Craver Aspen COSo so sad!
God Bless Mary Beth & Allison
BLESSED HERE,THERE,EVERYWHEREGod Bless Mary Beth & Allison. They have brought so much joy to so many. FYI I gifted Mr. Bruce Springsteen with 2 boxes on his 2nd to last night on Broadway, Bruce's comment was, "This is gonna be one sweet night." .Just sayin.
We admire your dedication and
Lucy W Scanlon Cambridge and Chilmark MAWe admire your dedication and business model so much, and always enjoy telling incredulous off-islanders about the store. Also, paradoxically it has helped my husband and me keep the pounds off, because on weekend nights we each have two pieces - an orange slice and a ginger - which are so satisfying that we never have any other dessert in the house.
We will miss you very much. Thanks to you and your staff for all the years of hard work!
Please don't give up...send
Charles Stath Stuart FloridaPlease don't give up...send your prayers to have this tradition continue. Let's put this in Gods hands and pray that Chillmark will be able to remain open. I feel that there are good people in the background are working hard to keep your policy of not selling in tact.
Major funding or private anonymous donations are currently being developed.
So dont give up...have faith. We can accomplish anything. With God all things are possible.
Chilmark Chocolates has been
Judy Riley Tucson and Oak BluffsChilmark Chocolates has been one of my very favorite places on the Island, and I look forward to one more summer of confections. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment. I hope retirement is full of the fun and relaxation you have earned.
I know this is absolutely NOT
Terence Millign EdgewaterI know this is absolutely NOT why you did it but it must be said that you two are full measures of something that is in such short supply in this world. I know you are thanked by the many who found something meaningful and self-affirming working for you ... succeeding in the real world. But we who lived on the island or merely visited it once or a few times thank you too for the realization, while standing in front of the counter selecting wonderful expertly made chocolates, that you, the owners, with obvious passion and compassion, truly made your wild idea work.
Please please reconsider.
David New YorkPlease please reconsider. This store is an island icon and has been a huge part of my experience on the Vineyard.
Mindfulness to the core.
Malathy Rao Kinnelon NjMindfulness to the core. Great people and great chocolates. Good luck in your future adventures.
I remember many years of "one
Joanna Marlborough/EasthamI remember many years of "one last trip to Chilmark Chocolates before the boat" -- it was a must-do on the last day of pretty much every island vacation we had. I also remember my mom explaining to me and my siblings (30+ years ago when we were probably 4, 6, and 10) that the chocolate and the people behind it were extra special because you gave a purpose to an entire community that is often overlooked and *everybody* needs to be able to have a purpose and work to do. I don't know if I fully understood then, but I sure do now, and it brings happy tears to my eyes when I think of what you've given the island and its people. Thank You & Happy Adventuring! <3
Fond memories of first yr you
John ChilmarkFond memories of first yr you opened, bringing my young son for his first taste of good chocolate. 33yrs later and like all things, Chilmark Chocolates will pass into memories only. Thank you Mary-Beth and Alison for all the joy you have brought to so many.
I have slides of the
Susan Sommers San FranciscoI have slides of the employees and the store from the 80’s, even of the chocolates being made. Would like to give them to Jabberwocky or those that would recognize themselves.
The Island Community and visitors will miss this very special part of MV.
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