Hilliards Chocolates, the century-old Massachusetts candy company, cut the ribbon on Friday, November 21, on its new West Newton store, turning the former Bank of America building on Chestnut Street into a warm, bright chocolate shop – just in time for the holiday season.
Homecoming
The opening marked a return home for co-owner and West Newton resident Gordon Scott. Maegan McCarthy Dec, who leads the fourth-generation family business with her sister Erin McCarthy, said the new store represents a meaningful return to the company’s own roots, noting that their grandfather grew up in Newton in the 1940s.
“Our family’s history planted the thought in our mind of Newton being a great location to rejoin,” Maegan said. “It just felt like coming home and returning to our roots.”
She said that when the 100-year-old building became available, it felt meant to be. Hilliards already operates stores in North Easton, Norwell, and Mansfield, making Newton the company’s fourth location.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller joined the company’s leadership and dozens of guests for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming Hilliards into Newton’s commercial community. She thanked City officials and local partners who helped pave the way for the opening.
“We’re thrilled that you’re here just in time for Thanksgiving and December holidays,” Fuller said. “Everybody come on in and support them.”
Scott, who lives in West Newton, echoed that gratitude, saying the opening was the result of more than a year and a half of planning and coordination. He also expressed appreciation for Mayor Fuller’s support throughout the project.
“We did this in record time,” he said.
Chocolate excitement
After the ribbon was cut, the crowd streamed into the 2,400-square-foot shop to browse shelves lined with truffles, caramels, holiday gift boxes, and other handcrafted treats. Staff handed out free samples as neighbors and families packed into the aisles for their first look at the new store.
Matt, a Wellesley resident who grew up in West Newton, said he could not resist stopping by. He used to use the Bank of America ATM at this exact location and knows Scott from the neighborhood. He said he appreciated seeing a family-owned, Massachusetts-based company move into the space rather than another chain or large bank.
“What they were able to do with the space is incredible,” Matt said as he bought some thin mints and some dark chocolate.
Alison came to the opening because she’s neighbors with the Scott family and has been following the development of the new location.
While shopping for dark chocolate for her husband, she praised the interior and the selection. She sees the opening as well-timed for the holiday season and said she plans to spread the word.
She said the store seems to be part of a larger trend of revitalization in West Newton, noting renovations at the West Newton Cinema as well.
“Everybody is trying to revive the community,” Alison said.
