Charles Chocolates' Big Expansion Plans Hit A Wall

On Friday afternoon, GrubStreet passed on news that Charles Chocolates is no longer with us. The business was operating a temporary retail location on level three of the Westfield Centre in preparation for the mega flagship branch planned for the fourth floor, but that won't be happening now. The Westfield Centre followed up with this statement today:

“It’s our policy not to comment on tenant’s financial matters. While it is unfortunate that they will not be part of our collection of 170 shops, restaurants and entertainment offerings, there will be interest in this location.”

As we await a response from Charles Chocolates HQ, this statement leads us to believe the sudden fallout was due to financial issues in the Charles Chocolates camp, not personal problems or other possible scenarios. SFoodie's earlier report on the shutter of Charles' Emeryville factory in mid-February also hinted ever-so-softly at potential glitches with the San Francisco space. Yelpers are now reporting that online sales are still up and running, but the statement issued on Friday on Facebook would lead one to believe that may not last long. [UPDATE: SFoodie confirms the problem was indeed financial and the entire company is shutting down. Sad times.]

· Charles Chocolates Goes Under [GrubStreet]
· All Previous Charles Chocolates Coverage [~ ESF ~]
· Charles Chocolates Set to Open in San Francisco, Shut Down in Emeryville [SFoodie]