For nearly a decade, Kollar Chocolates has been the jewel box of sweets tucked inside Yountville’s V Marketplace. That run is coming to an end later this month, as owner Chris Kollar has announced he will close the boutique retail shop and step away from day-to-day operations to wind the business down and take care of his staff.
The small-batch chocolatier helped turn Washington Street into a must-walk stretch for visitors and locals, thanks to its truffles, gelato and glass cases filled with glossy confections. Now, Kollar says his focus is on closing out with intention instead of expansion.
In a social media post and a message to the paper, Kollar wrote, “It has been a privilege to build something from the ground up and to share it with this community,” and said he would concentrate on “finishing strong” with his team, as reported by Napa Valley Register. He told the outlet he plans to step back to “reset” before deciding what comes next.
Local Favorite With A National Pedigree
Kollar, a chef turned chocolatier, built a shop that reached far beyond Napa Valley. The business website highlights industry awards and a Food Network appearance that helped land Kollar Chocolates on the itineraries of food-focused travelers, according to Kollar Chocolates. Inside the store, the counter has long doubled as a glass-front kitchen, giving customers a front-row view of chocolates being crafted in real time.
Short Wind-Down Planned
According to the Napa Valley Register, the retail counter will stay open “for a short time” while the team works through remaining inventory and continues serving customers. Kollar has warned that there may be occasional early closures during the final stretch. His public messages have emphasized that looking after employees and guests is the top priority during the transition.
What The Closure Means For Yountville’s Restaurant Row
The loss of Kollar Chocolates takes away one of the specialty shops that helped anchor Yountville’s tourism corridor around Bouchon Bakery and The French Laundry, a role local guides have often pointed out, per Visit Napa Valley. For residents and neighboring businesses, the news lands as another reminder that owner burnout and tight margins can chip away at the town’s independent retail scene.
The company’s online store remains active and still offers nationwide shipping, and shoppers are encouraged to check the website for the latest on hours and any final-day announcements, according to Kollar Chocolates. Anyone hoping to sneak in one last visit should also keep an eye on the chocolatier’s social channels or the V Marketplace for day-to-day updates as the closure approaches.
