Downtown Belfast candy shop up for sale

Owner cites health reasons for putting The Chocolate Drop Candy Shop on the market

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:19am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring an assortment of vintage candy jars, an old-fashioned soda fountain glass, and a few pieces of classic penny candy against a clean, monochromatic seamless background, conceptually representing the nostalgic charm and timeless appeal of a beloved local candy shop.The potential sale of a beloved downtown Belfast candy shop highlights the challenges small business owners can face, even after taking over an established operation.Belfast Today

Less than two years after purchasing The Chocolate Drop Candy Shop, a downtown Belfast soda fountain and purveyor of ice cream and sweets, the current owner Steve Ashey has put the business up for sale due to health reasons. The asking price is $175,000, which includes at least $50,000 worth of inventory.

Why it matters

The Chocolate Drop Candy Shop has been a staple in downtown Belfast for years, offering a nostalgic soda fountain experience and sweet treats to locals and visitors alike. Its potential sale highlights the challenges small business owners can face, even after taking over an established operation.

The details

Steve Ashey bought The Chocolate Drop Candy Shop less than two years ago, but is now selling the business due to health reasons. The asking price is $175,000, which includes at least $50,000 worth of inventory. Ashey says it wasn't an easy decision, but he spent the winter thinking about it and decided now is the perfect time to sell.

  • The Chocolate Drop Candy Shop was purchased by Steve Ashey less than two years ago.
  • Ashey put the business up for sale last week.

The players

Steve Ashey

The current owner of The Chocolate Drop Candy Shop in downtown Belfast, Maine.

The Chocolate Drop Candy Shop

A soda fountain and purveyor of ice cream and sweets located in downtown Belfast, Maine.

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What they’re saying

“It wasn't an easy decision. I spent the winter really thinking about it and put it up for sale now because this is the perfect time to buy a business like this.”

— Steve Ashey, Owner

The takeaway

The potential sale of The Chocolate Drop Candy Shop highlights the challenges small business owners can face, even after taking over an established operation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of work-life balance and the need to carefully consider one's health and personal circumstances when running a business.