A beloved Dallas chocolatier known for its hand-painted truffles is preparing to close, as rising costs force the business to wind down operations. Kate Weiser Chocolate is entering what could be its final weeks, with production already stopped at its Garland headquarters and remaining inventory being shipped to its stores. “Right now, we’re just packaging up the last of our chocolates that we have in the freezer. We’re gonna send these out to Trinity Groves and North Park Center,” Weiser said. Inside the Garland facility, chocolates and truffles are no longer being made, and staff are working to box up what remains. Weiser said increasing costs have made it difficult to continue. “The cost of packaging has just gone up so much over the years,” Weiser said. “I think in a way, the writing’s been on the wall, but I always thought that we would just somehow make it another year.” Weiser announced the closure to customers on Monday and said she is now focused on helping her employees find new jobs. “I don’t know, there’s something about putting it on social media that makes it absolutely real, you know?” Weiser said. At the Trinity Groves store, longtime customers lined up to buy their favorite chocolates before they’re gone. One customer reflected on years of loyalty to the shop. “I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye because we met Kate when she opened the store in 2014,” said Aric Stock. Others said they rushed in as soon as they heard the news. “We just found out last night that they’re closing and we’re heartbroken that we’re not going to get them anymore, and just wanted to get as many as we could,” said Thomas Walter. Customers said the chocolates were not just treats, but gifts known for their quality and artistry. “I think that people around the country know when they get gifts from here, they’re unusual, they’re beautiful, they’re tasty and we’re gonna miss her a lot,” Stock said. It remains unclear exactly how long the stores will stay open, as it depends on how quickly the remaining inventory sells out. “I thought maybe we would have maybe another month, but I’m actually not sure how long the inventory will last at this point,” Weiser said. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less