San Diego's Eclipse Chocolate Announces Impending Closure

September 6, 2022

A longtime destination for dessert and brunch in San Diego, Eclipse Chocolate has announced its impending closure. 

Will Gustwiller established Eclipse Chocolate in 2004 after completing his Masters in Sculpture at San Diego State University. In 2007, he opened a dessert cafe on El Cajon Boulevard, and in 2013 relocated his company to South Park, which allowed for a 400 percent increase in production and a 70-chair dining concept. In early 2017, Gustwiller won a special "Guy’s Chocolate Games" episode of Guy Fieri’s popular Food Network competition, Guy's Grocery Games.

"I've been waffling on the decision for quite some time, but I can now confidently say that this winter will be the last holiday season for Eclipse Chocolate in South Park," wrote owner Will Gustwiller on a post to his Facebook page. "Once Vday has passed, I expect to vacate our location to transition to e-commerce only. I'm grateful for dozens upon dozens of amazing friends & patrons that have helped us along the way. If you'd like to offer support as we make this difficult transition, we'd appreciate your on-site patronage (we've been dreadfully slow. We'll continue to serve brunch on [Friday, Saturday and Sunday] from 9-4 for at least a few more weeks. And of course we ship all over the US."

Eclipse Chocolate Bar & Bistro is currently looking for a bar and restaurant operator for a turn-key sublease of the South Park space for the holiday season. The premises can be available as early as Halloween. 

Eclipse Chocolate is located at 2145 Fern Street in San Diego's South Park community. For more information, visit eclipsechocolate.com.