Theo Chocolate is closing its flagship Seattle store
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Theo Chocolate's flagship store in Fremont in 2022. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios
Theo Chocolate will close its flagship store in Seattle this month, severing one of the company's last remaining ties to the city where it was founded.
Why it matters: The chocolatier, which began in Seattle two decades ago, was a pioneer in making organic, fair-trade chocolate in the United States.
- The smell of wafting chocolate permeated Seattle's Fremont neighborhood for years. But Theo's factory there shut down after the company merged with American Licorice Co., the Indiana-based maker of Red Vines, in 2023.
State of play: Theo kept its flagship store in Fremont open even after the adjoining factory closed, continuing to make some handmade confections there.
- But the company announced Saturday that the Fremont store will close Feb. 16, making this Valentine's Day the last that some of those signature locally made items will be available.
- "We invite everyone to join us over the next few weeks for our final hands-on classes, demos, and handmade treats," the company posted on Instagram.
Yes, but: The company's factory-made chocolate bars and products such as peanut butter cups will continue to be sold online and in retail stores around the country, the company said.
- Via email, a spokesperson for the company declined to elaborate on where those products are now made.
- Theo is also closing its store in Bellevue Square on Feb. 16, per its Instagram post.
Zoom in: Theo's factory tours used to be a fun experience for couples or out-of-towners.
- If you're looking to visit a Seattle chocolate factory in Theo's absence, check out Spinnaker Chocolate in Ravenna; sign up for a bean-to-bar chocolate making class at Indi Chocolate at Pike Place Market; or take a tour of Seattle Chocolate Co.'s factory to see how it makes its signature truffles.
- You can also visit Intrigue Chocolate Co. in Pioneer Square to find unique craft chocolates, which frequently come with a tasting guide.