Robitallies Fine Candies is closing its doors after 36 years. In the last weeks of work, customers share their satisfaction.

Saira Bellamy, 10, and her brother Oliver have been coming to Robitaille’s since they were babies.

“We have so many memories here,” he says.

“He made all our trips joyful and we felt really comfortable and warm,” added Oliver Bellamy.

Longtime customer Linda Reimel says the store on Linden Boulevard downtown has been a staple for her family and the community for years.

“He’ll be missed. Yes, he’s a big part of Carpinteria,” Reimel said.

Store owner Tami Robitaille told Carpinteria community reporter Juliet Lemar that she sees generations of customers come into the store every year and share their lives with it.

“We’ve seen people take wedding photos, engagement photos, family photos here every year around Christmas time,” Robitaille said.

After 36 years of serving chocolates, candy and other delicious treats to the public, Robitaille’s Fine Candies will now close its doors permanently.

“We’re hoping to give back to the community more, volunteer, spend more time with family and just friends and have a better balance,” John Robitaille said.

For both John and Tami, retirement is bittersweet.

“Our customers have positively impacted our lives, so it’s nice to know we’re doing the same for them,” said Tami Robitaille.

The last business day will be Sunday, December 1.