Founder of Tri-Cities' Beloved Chocolate Shop Dies at 87

Kathryn Baumgarten turned her passion for candy-making into a local institution before selling the business in 2012.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Kathryn Baumgarten, the founder of the longtime premium chocolate shop Baum's Candy (later Baum's House of Chocolate) in the Tri-Cities area of Washington, has died at the age of 87. Baumgarten started the business in 1981 after moving to the region from Colorado, growing it over the decades before selling it in 2012. The shop was known for its high-quality chocolates and treats.

Why it matters

Baum's Candy was a beloved local institution in the Tri-Cities area, serving the community for over 30 years. Baumgarten's story highlights the passion and perseverance required to build a successful small business, especially in the competitive world of specialty food and confections.

The details

Baumgarten started Baum's Candy in 1981 after moving to Richland, Washington from Colorado. Though she had no prior experience in the chocolate business, she taught herself the craft, even attending chocolate school in Belgium. The business faced early challenges, including a spilled 5-gallon tin of corn syrup, but Baumgarten persevered. Baum's expanded in 1986 and later changed its name to Baum's House of Chocolates in 2001 as Baumgarten considered retirement and a potential sale of the business. She ultimately sold the shop in 2012, and it closed in 2024 after several more years of operation.

  • Baumgarten started Baum's Candy in 1981 after moving to Richland, Washington from Colorado.
  • Baum's Candy expanded in 1986, adding more space and staff.
  • Baum's Candy changed its name to Baum's House of Chocolates in 2001 as Baumgarten considered retirement and a potential sale.
  • Baumgarten sold the business in 2012 after owning it for over 30 years.
  • Baum's House of Chocolates closed in 2024.

The players

Kathryn Baumgarten

The founder of Baum's Candy (later Baum's House of Chocolate), a beloved premium chocolate shop in the Tri-Cities area of Washington that she operated for over 30 years before selling the business in 2012.

George Baumgarten

Kathryn Baumgarten's husband, who supported her chocolate business by driving for Ben Franklin Transit.

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What they’re saying

“You have to stay up all night making the next batch so you can sell them the next day.”

— Kathryn Baumgarten, Founder, Baum's Candy (Tri-City Herald)

“You don't have a clue what you're doing here.”

— Candy salesman (Tri-City Herald)

The takeaway

Kathryn Baumgarten's story is a testament to the passion, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit required to build a successful small business, especially in a competitive industry like specialty food and confections. Her chocolate shop became a beloved local institution in the Tri-Cities area, serving the community for over three decades before she sold the business in 2012.