A popular chocolatier known for its Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day and milestone-marking sweet treats plans to close its doors after more than two decades in Bethlehem.
The Chocolate Lab, 446 Main St., has been open for about 22 years, with about 13 of them being on Main Street. Owner Arlene Brockel shared the news with loyal patrons Tuesday on the business’ Facebook page. She cited an upcoming retirement as the reason.
The business’ last day will be April 30, Brockel told lehighvalleylive.com Wednesday morning.
“To all of my valued customers I would like to thank you for your business,” the posting stated. “I will be hanging up my apron and retiring at the end of April. So come in and stock up on your favorites before we close!”
The post generated 310 reactions and 166 comments. Patrons shared memories of The Chocolate Lab and added some puns, such as “Bethlehem was a sweeter place with you there” and “It’s bittersweet.”
Over the years, the lab welcomed guests with bright red walls. There were shelves lined with wrapped bundles of various chocolates and glass canisters holding massive truffles of nearly every flavor a patron could ever want. “There were cases stocked with a wide assortment of gooey delights,” a community blogger once described.
Brockel’s staff crafted the shop’s sweet treats by hand, using high-quality and organic ingredients. The majority of the Lab’s products was imported from Europe. Its raw chocolate was a product of Felchlin of Switzerland, with no fillers or additives, the website states.
Best sellers often included blood orange buttercreams; caramel toffee poofs; chocolare-covered Oreos and pretzels; and inside out peanut butter cups. Chocolate-covered strawberries were most sought after during Valentine’s Day; chocolate-covered and peanut-butter filled eggs were in high demand during Easter; and small chocolate bars showcasing Bethlehem stars were especially popular during the Christmas season.
There were $5 gift boxes to grab-and-go with a random assortment of festive chocolates. Six-piece truffle boxes traditionally included one each: chocolate, amaretto, Irish cream, champagne, raspberry and tiramisu. Each came assorted between three milk and three dark chocolates.
Visitors enjoyed pairing the sweets with hot beverages, such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate. The Lab specialized in weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and baby showers.
Brockel got into the candy business after being laid off from a factory job she served for two decades. She initially set out to open a bakery, but decided to become a chocolatier after finishing a few culinary classes. The Chocolate Lab in 2002 was launched on Broad Street before operations moved to the current Main Street location around 2011.
The Chocolate Lab plans to stay open until April 30. Until then, operating hours are from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Lab is closed Mondays.
The Chocolate Lab, 446 Main St., was known for its special order milestone and holiday gift boxes. The chocolatier plans to close in late April 2024. Owner Arlene Brockel told patrons on Facebook she plans to retire.Pamela Sroka-Holzmann
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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.