Sweet Goodbyes: A Napa Valley Chocolate Maker Closes Shop

For fifteen years, Kollar Chocolates has been a well-known spot in Yountville, a small town in California’s wine country. The shop is now shutting down, but not before they sell off every last piece of chocolate. The owner, Chris Kollar, made the announcement on April 28, sharing the news on social media. He explained that running the shop has been a rewarding journey, built on hard work, skill, and a commitment to quality. But like many small businesses, rising costs and changing tourism trends made it tough to keep going. Kollar didn’t start in chocolate—he spent over two decades as a chef in kitchens across the U. S. His big break came in 2020 when he won the Food Network’s "Chopped. " By then, he had already made his home in Napa Valley, working at wineries and restaurants. It was at one of these places, Peter Michael Winery, where his love for chocolate really took off. Now, after years of crafting bonbons, barks, and truffles, he’s shifting gears. The closure isn’t just about business—it’s personal. Kollar calls it "72% bittersweet, " a mix of pride and sadness.The staff, some of whom have worked there for nearly a decade, are feeling the loss too. Izzy Mena, a sous chef with eight years under her belt, called the job a chance to grow every day. Many of the workers were trained at top culinary schools, making the shop a stepping stone for aspiring chocolatiers. Even with inventory selling out fast online, the shop’s legacy lives on in the people who learned their craft there. Chocolate has been around for centuries, and Kollar saw himself as a modern ambassador for the treat. Running the shop gave him more time with his family, something he valued deeply. But with the closure, he’s not done with chocolate forever. He’s staying in the area, taking on private chef work, and hinting at new projects, possibly in wellness and chocolate. What’s next for Kollar? He’s not sure yet, but he’s optimistic. The chocolate industry has always been resilient, and he believes his skills will find a way back. For now, the last chocolates are being sold, marking the end of an era in Yountville.