After just over 21 years of business, Chocolate Lab, on Main Street in Bethlehem, is closing. Owner Arlene Brockel said the last day of business will be April 30. An official closing announcement appeared on the Chocolate Lab’s Facebook page. Following the announcement, the store has seen a steady stream of shoppers.

Arlene said, “One day I just woke up tired of doing this, I want to do something else.” Arlene and her boyfriend Al will be moving out of Bethlehem, to Grayson, Georgia, near Atlanta. Arlene said, “My boyfriend has family there. We will be looking for a house and something to do down there. Hint; it won’t be chocolates.”

Chocolate Lab has five employees who are looking for new jobs. Of her two primary employees, Arlene said, “ Erick and Eryka are the best employees I’ve had in a long time.” A new and different shop will be filling the space by summer.

Of her years in business, Arlene said, “We’ve had a good run, lots of nice customers. It’s been a dream, Bethlehem is so welcoming, and our customers are so friendly. We’ll miss our customers. You don’t realize how much everybody loves you.”