The famed Candy Factory on Magnolia Boulevard in Valley Village has been forced to close up shop and move to a cheaper location due to rising retail prices.
Described as "The Candy Maker to the Stars," the shop has played a role in many Hollywood productions, but now they're being evicted because they can no longer afford the rent after the building they're housed in was sold to a new owner.
The family business has been a part of the Valley Village community for over 40 years, playing a role in many Hollywood productions including making the famous "box of chocolates" in "Forrest Gump." The shop also provided chocolates for Michael Jackson's wedding to Lisa Marie Presley and counts everyone from Chaka Khan and Ed Asner to SNL's Leslie Jones and the cast of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" as customers.
Despite their reputation among the stars, Candy Factory owner Frank Sheftel says they were given a 30-day eviction notice to vacate the premises.
Sheftel says small, family-run businesses like his are becoming a dying breed, forced to compete with chain stores, internet shopping and rising rent prices.
"I can see why there are so many vacancies - who can succeed?" Sheftel said. "What kind of mom and pop shop can pay $3,000 to $5,000 dollars a month? That's a lot of lollipops to sell."
But just when Sheftel thought he might have to shut down for good, he found a new location in Burbank's Verdugo Avenue that he can afford and plans to move in by the end of the month.
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"I felt like we had a guardian angel looking out for me," Sheftel said. "It all came together. We're not gonna let the Grinch ruin our holidays."
