A mainstay of the Uptown Marion business community has changed hands in a deal announced by Skogman Commercial Group this week.
The Chocolate Shop, located at 1244 Seventh Ave., has been sold to new owners. Owned by Gae and Deane Richardson for 15 years, new owners Ben and Katy Davis plan to continue the shop’s legacy, offering fine chocolate products for both retail sales and special order.
“Gae and Deane Richardson have invested their time, talents and treasure to build a chocolate business that helped elevate Marion as a place you go to find high quality goods and services,” said Marion Chamber of Commerce President Jill Ackerman regarding the transition of ownership.
“The interest that was shown in the business when it went up for sale is a testament to the high quality and successful operation that Gae and Deane built,” she continued. “We are so excited to work with the new owners, Ben and Katy Davis. It will be fun to watch them make it their own.”
The new owners plan to update the look and feel of the retail space and offer more services, including shipping and online ordering.
“My husband and I have been making chocolate for 17 years. It’s time to hang up our aprons,” Ms. Richardson said in a March Facebook post announcing the business had been put up for sale. “Thank you for so many wonderful memories.”
Late last week, Ms. Richardson took to Facebook again, announcing the new owners and adding, “see why I’m not worried about handing off The Chocolate Shop to this fun Marion couple!”
Jeanne Mathews with Skogman Commercial Group represented the buyers and the sellers for the business sale and the property lease.
The business is planning a grand opening celebration June 26th. For more information, visit www.TheMarionChocolateShop.com.
