Iconic chocolate shop closing this month in Oshawa

An iconic sweet shop in downtown Oshawa is closing up shop this month after more than twenty years on King Street, though the proprietor of Isabella’s Chocolates is assuring fans her delectable coffee and baked goods will still be available.

Rosanna Bruno said on her socials her lease is coming up at 2 Simcoe St. E. at Oshawa’s four corners and she has decided not to continue at the location.

Isabella’s will continue to be open at the second location inside the historic Ontario Tech-owned building at 61 Charles Street a few blocks away.

(If you did not know about this spot, now you know. The location opened in 2022 and is a short walk from the original location on King Street and across the street from the Tribute Centre.)

“We will remain focused on our catering, coffee, and baking business and will continue to provide the treats and eats you know and love,” Bruno said.

Bruno thanked all her customers, including those who supported her and her staff since the beginning and customers who just found them this year.

“We are endlessly grateful for your continued support.”

Bruno also thanked her staff – past and present – that have been an “integral part” of shaping the café, citing ‘derrickdestroyer’ for keeping daily operations running smoothly and Linda Moore at the Charles Street location.

“We are in our 20-plus years of business and there have been so many amazing memories in downtown Oshawa. So many events, concerts, art shows, desserts, music, chats, coffee, late nights, early mornings, weddings – the list goes on,” she said.

• “Isabella’s on King has been a downtown staple and such a special community hub. We’ll always cherish the memories made there. Glad we can still visit you on Charles Street.” – Alessia
• “Wishing you continued success Rosanna!” – Karen

Will McGuirk, who manages the Kopps Music store just down the street and has been one of downtown Oshawa’s biggest booster over the years, said “not seeing the iconic Isabellas sign on the four corners is a blow and a knock and a loss” but acknowledged 20 years is a “long time” and wished Bruno and crew “all the best” in the new venture.

“I still have a couple of weeks of raspberries squares before the move.”

Isabella’s Chocolates Charles Street location