Henry’s Sweet Retreat, a beloved candy store, has been on St. Elmo Avenue since 2016 and is closing after nearly a decade in Bethesda. Known for its fantastic candy selection, Cincinnati-based Graeter’s ice cream, and the welcoming atmosphere, the closure brings an end to one of Bethesda’s best sweet spots.
Ashley Payne, a senior at B-CC High School and an employee at Henry’s Sweet Retreat, says, “Henry’s is closing because the owner, Patty, wanted to retire, and no one offered to buy the store.” For Payne, Henry’s wasn’t just a workplace; it was her first job and gave her so many new friendships and memories. “I’m a little sad because I made a handful of new friends, and it was a great experience for my first job,” she says. “I’m going to miss the community and friendly customers.”
Payne said customers especially loved the shop’s baked goods and their Graeter’s ice cream, a Cincinnati brand that Henry’s Sweet Retreat exclusively has in the Bethesda area. As the store nears its closure, Henry’s employees, including Payne, are seeking new jobs in the Bethesda area.
The closure doesn’t just affect employees; it’s affecting many younger kids in Bethesda, like Jake Tasman, who Henry’s was a big part of his childhood. Jake Tasman, a student at Bethesda Elementary, says, “It’s kind of sad. I’ve been there a lot,” he said. His family recently used up their remaining gift cards; the visits in the last few times were bittersweet.
Tasman added, “We have a tradition of going there on the last day of school to get ice cream with friends,” He said. “It was really fun to do that every year.” He recalls his favorite treats like Hot Tamales, fruit-flavored jelly candies, and gummy Coke bottles, items he says can’t be replaced at grocery stores.
Another B-CC senior and Henry’s Sweet Retreat employee, Seth Markowitz, said, “I would describe it as a staple of Bethesda. It was really iconic…and people really loved it,” he said.
Markowitz said his favorite memories came from working with his coworkers and making relationships with customers. He recalls his favorite memories, “I made a Labubu Dubai chocolate milkshake.” Still, the closing hits hard. “I’m really sad that it’s closing because I loved working there. It was a great place to work,” he said. “All the customers are really sad too.”
The closure of Henry’s Sweet Retreat leaves a gap in downtown Bethesda. The community spirit and the unique candy selection that the shop brings will be deeply missed. For many residents, Henry’s was more than a store, but a place to make memories and spend time with friends. Its absence will be felt by anyone who stopped for a scoop of ice cream on a hot sunny day, a bag of sweets, or a taste of nostalgia.
