About Our Candy and Chocolate Boutique in Old Lyme, CT
The Chocolate Shell has been delighting young and adult patrons alike with its vast assortment of gourmet chocolates, nostalgic candies, and holiday-themed confections since 1980. Our candy and chocolate boutique in Old Lyme, CT, also offers pre-packed assorted chocolate boxes and truffle boxes to give yourself or others. We even fill gift boxes with your chosen selection of treats and add a ribbon and bow on top.
Our History
Founded in 1980, The Chocolate Shell quickly earned a reputation as one of Connecticut’s premier candy and chocolate boutiques. This is reflected in our curated selection of high-quality confections, from dark chocolate turtles and nostalgic candies to milky seashell chocolates and gold-leafed truffles. For over 45 years, we’ve been a haven for chocolate lovers in Old Lyme, CT, and beyond.
Meet Our Current Owners
Bren Buono
Bren grew up in Forsyth County, NC, where she earned her paralegal degree and worked at one of the biggest law firms for 15 years. In 2015, she and her family moved from her hometown of Winston-Salem, NC, to Old Lyme, CT.
She became a stay-at-home mom for the first couple of years while helping her three sons get adjusted to their new schools. Bren spent the next several years working part-time at The Chocolate Shell for one of the previous owners, Barbara Crowley. After a number of years, she and her husband, Bryan, purchased the candy and chocolate boutique in March 2025 and strove to grow the business and add more products.
Bryan Buono
Bryan is originally from the Waterbury-Watertown part of Connecticut, graduating from Watertown High in 1989. However, he attended college in Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Business degree in 1993.
He ended up in North Carolina and met his wife, Bren. They got married in 1999 and have had three loving boys since then. Bryan and his family moved back to Connecticut in 2015 for a great job opportunity. Years later, he and his wife seized the opportunity to purchase The Chocolate Shell in 2025.
Our Diverse Options
In line with our commitment to catering to various dietary preferences, we carry vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and sugar-free options of our chocolates, sour candies, and other treats.
Product Delivery
Our candy and chocolate boutique offers local delivery. We can also ship our treats around the country, with ice packs ensuring that your chocolates or candies arrive in ideal condition depending on the temperature.
We’d Love to Hear from You
For additional information about our candy and chocolate boutique in Old Lyme, CT, feel free to get in touch with us today. We would be happy to answer your questions about us and the sweet treats and sour candies we offer.