Iconic Tri-Cities chocolate maker closing longtime Kennewick store

Baum’s — House of Chocolates, the iconic Tri-Cities confectioner as well as party store, will close part of its business at the end of August.

Owners Mindy (Sheppick) and Don Sandlin announced they will close the balloons and party side of Baum’s as they prepare to retire.

However, they are still deciding on the future of Baum’s popular chocolates.

Baum’s was established in 1981 in Richland and has operated at Edison Square, 513 N. Edison St., Kennewick, in recent years.

The couple own Edison Square and built the 10,000-square-foot retail center in 2002.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for your amazing support and loyalty to Baum’s since 1981,” they said in a post on the Baum’s Facebook page. “Without your support we wouldn’t have made it this far.”