Handcrafted by Bissinger’s will close in the CWE

Handcrafted by Bissinger’s at 32 Maryland Ave., in the Central West End will close for good after regular business hours on Saturday, Feb. 16.

In a statement, 23 City Blocks Hospitality Group, which owns the CWE eatery, said "dwindling foot traffic in the neighborhood makes continuation of the business untenable.” However, 23 City Blocks managing partner Kate Turner said there may be a chance for Handcrafted to make a return in the future.

“There are no immediate plans to open in another location; however, I believe strongly in the concept. The wine wall is a crowd favorite, and should the right location come along, I’m not ruling it out,” Turner said in an email.  

“I would like to thank the Central West End for their patronage over the decades. Our hearts may be broken having to leave our home for so long, but it’s certainly the best decision for our company. We’re pursuing other opportunities and hope to share those with you soon!”

Turner said a new tenant has not been found for the space yet but the landlord has had a good amount of interest and expects to have it filled soon.

23 City Blocks, sister company to Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier, reconcepted the space in 2017, swapping the retail location of the chocolate shop for Handcrafted and offering a cafe menu, wine and desserts.

23 City Blocks also owns and operates The Caramel Room at Bissinger’s,Lumen Private Event Space, 23 City Blocks Catering, The Chocolate Pig and The Market.

Matt Sorrell is staff writer at Sauce Magazine.