45°
NEW CANAAN, Conn. Downtown New Canaan will be a little less sweet this fall after Belgique Chocolatier closes at the end of October.
The chocolate and candy shop will shut its doors as store owner and chef Pierre Gilissen takes a job as residence manager for the British ambassadors office in Washington, D.C. Part of the job, Gilissen said, is to supervise an 18-member staff, including chefs, gardeners, butlers and housekeepers. He worked in embassies in Washington for 10 years before opening the chocolate shop in town.
The closing affects the shop on Elm Street as well as the first Belgique shop in Kent, which opened in 2000. We have accomplished everything we wanted to do, Gilissen said.
Belgique customers in New Canaan were sad to hear of the stores closing, co-owner Susan Gilissen said. Some of it includes surprise, shock and happiness. A lot of people are very happy for us, she said.
Susan Gilissen said the couple would listen to offers to sell the business if anyone is interested in buying the equipment in New Canaan and Kent, noting that the store typically does good business during the holidays.
Belgique customers with balances on their gift cards are encouraged to cash them in as soon as possible.
Click here to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.
