Twenty-one years after founding The Best Chocolate in Town as a wholesale operation in Edinburgh and 13 years after opening a retail store, Elizabeth Garber is calling it quits on her chocolate career. The final day of business for her shop on the East End of Mass Ave was Sunday, Feb. 23.
Garber has sold her business to Newfangled Confections, owned by Carrie Abbott – who once interned with Best Chocolate. “There is no one better suited to carry on the name,” Garber said. “Carrie and I share the same values, and the same passion for chocolates and confections. I was fortunate enough to have Carrie as an intern 12 years ago while she was studying culinary arts, and have since watched her grow an incredibly successful company.”
Garber, meanwhile, plans to take some time off as she ponders what her next challenge will be. “I’ll be starting a new chapter of my own,” she said in a Facebook post. “But new beginnings are always bittersweet.” She thanked her customers for their support, “and for the opportunity to serve you the best chocolates, truffle pies, cookies, and desserts in town. I hope I helped make your lives a little sweeter. You certainly did as much for me.”
Abbott began Newfangled Confections in 2012, and made a name for herself with her signature candy, Frittle, which shares qualities of both peanut butter fudge and brittle. The company quickly grew into an award-winning, nationally distributed brand.
With the acquisition of The Best Chocolate in Town, Abbott sees continuing relationships with The Best Chocolate team members, partners, suppliers, clients, as well as taking the products into new channels as a pivotal moment in Newfangled’s history. Garber, meanwhile, will serve in a supportive role as part of the transition team.
“I have a deep respect for what Elizabeth has built, and it is a real honor to carry that torch,” Abbott said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand our line and offer new products to our existing customers, as well as those who discover us through the acquisition.”
