Henry's Sweet Retreat has been a success by any measure, surviving into its tenth year in downtown Bethesda, a tough market where some businesses fold after two or three months these days. The owners of the candy shop and dessert bar at 4823 St. Elmo Avenue would like to go out on a high note into retirement, but are hoping to find a buyer who will keep the store open beyond December 31, 2025, when its current lease expires. Founders Tom and Patty Craver have been Bethesda residents for 35 years, and have tried to maintain a community focus as part of their business model. "We would love to find someone who is similarly-minded," who can continue to build on a business that has been embraced by local residents, Tom Craver said.
The store will operate through the end of the year regardless of whether a buyer emerges to extend its run, Craver promised. It would be ideal if that buyer acts sooner rather than later, however, as the deadline for an extension of the lease will pass significantly earlier than December 31. The business will require an energetic entrepreneur to take on the challenge of a competitive Bethesda market the way the Cravers have for so many years, as independent owners in a world of national chains.
Running the shop has been "a labor of love," Craver said, "and we'd like to see this continue." They would prefer not to let down their customers or their employees by having to close December 31. In addition to the throwback experience of the store itself, Henry's Sweet Retreat has also offered classes, birthday parties, and even a summer camp. The camp will go forward again this summer, as usual. Camp next summer will depend upon someone who wants to keep this community fixture going.
If you ever dreamed of owning a candy store, but didn't want to build a successful business from scratch, this could be the opportunity for you. Were the store to end up closing at the end of December, lasting a decade in Bethesda is certainly an impressive accomplishment to be proud of. Even celebrity chef José Andrés has now abandoned Bethesda. But we've seen too many mom-and-pop neighborhood shops close in recent years, and it would be a shame if Henry's Sweet Retreat joins them in 2026.
8 comments:
I hate to say this but they've really gone downhill. I used to order $60.00 birthday & anniversary cakes there, but it doesn't seem they can keep a regular pastry chef. I went twice in March to get cupcakes (Sunday & Thursday) only to be disappointed with very stale dry confetti and buttercream cupcakes. I probably won't be going back again. Oh, and I do NOT subscribe to the hype of Georgetown cupcakes.
Thank you for your Anonymous comment. We try every single minute to deliver a perfect experience. With your advice we will have to consider whether we have the right team since it’s been an honor to serve this community.
Love your black raspberry icecream!
How much are they selling it for and where is it listed? After 35 years maybe they could give longer than some months to find a buyer!
We love Henry’s Sweet Retreat. We were there last night, actually! So sad to hear they might have to close.
8:34: If you click on the link to their website in the article, there is a phone number and contact page where you can get in touch with them directly.
Such a wonderful store and community member! Good luck to the owners.
That would be all well and good, I suspect after 10 years the leasing price will be astronomical, $15k+. How many cakes do you sell before you even start to make money? -
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