It is said that, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get,” and that especially rings true today as word is out that the iconic Chocolate Tree in downtown Beaufort will close its doors permanently at the end of this month.
Opened in 1980 originally as a hobby by Pat Green, the local confectionery has been a staple in town for the past 45 years, has enjoyed nationwide status, and has been known for some of the finest chocolates in the South.
Owners of the store were not available for comment, but we visited the store on Saturday and were told by employees that the last day of business will be Friday, May 30th. Everything in the store is currently selling at 50% off.
Several generations of locals and tens of thousands of tourists have made their way through the doors of the business over the past 45 years, and it’s where Paramount Pictures got the iconic box of chocolates for the movie Forrest Gump.
You would always be able to walk in and see their craft. Over 60 different selections were laid out on their shelves from milk and dark chocolate goodies, to seasonal treats, classic gift varieties, peanut brittle, homemade fudge and so much more.
The store also held a popular all-you-can-eat-chocolate night for several decades, another idea of Pat Green, where you could purchase a ticket and just enjoy everything they had to offer until your belly said “that is enough.”
We never like to see a small, local business close, but this one as synonymous with Beaufort, SC as it has been for decades, is a particular hard pill to swallow.
We can’t believe the Chocolate Tree will close its doors in less than a week.
Be sure to get to the store, located at 507 Carteret Street in downtown before they close. You can purchase whatever they have left in stock, take a few photos for your fond memories, and you can also let that sweet smell hit you one last time as you enter the door.
The Chocolate Tree will be sorely missed in our Beaufort community. For many, many different reasons.
