Chilmark Chocolates sold its final box on Wednesday — closing the door on an Island institution that has endured as a singular business for more than three decades.

As had been the case for the past three weeks, cars were backed up to Beetlebung Corner and a line spilled out the door as people clamored to claim a final taste of their favorites.

Line stretched out the door Wednesday as it has for the past three weeks.. — Albert O. Fischer 3rd

“I’m getting a big box, my mom is getting a big box and my grandparents are getting a little box,” exclaimed eight-year-old Oceana Arroya Dias from the line outside the door.

As dusk fell, many of the trays in the display case were left with only chocolate crumbs and the lines began to thin, leaving mainly the workers and owners to reflect.

Store co-owner owner Allison Burger stood in the back pressing crushed almonds onto chocolate covered toffee — the final step of their signature almond butter crunch.

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” she said, gesturing to the splotches of chocolates at the bottom of the tempering pot. “It’s a sad moment. . . we’re very grateful.”

Ms. Burger said while she will miss the customers, she worried a little about the employees — many of whom have a variety of disabilities. It has long been part of the store’s unique business model to train and employ people with disabilities.

“Hopefully there are a lot of opportunities on the Island for the variety of people that work here,” she said.

Mccaull Reid, who was confined to wheelchair after a moped accident and has since regained the ability to walk, talk and eat on his own, said working at the store helped give him a new start.

“I was in a wheelchair when I started working here seven years ago,” he said. “They had the patience here to help people like me and have given me the confidence to recover.”

Alexander Campbell, who is responsible for stocking and working the cash register, said he will miss his co-workers.

“I feel sad because I’ve gotten to know everyone here really well . . . but I got my Forrest Gump impression down,” he said.

Stories floated in the air. There was the time a chocolate lab broke into the store. Someone recalled the tree that was planted by Albert (Ozzie) Fisher Jr. on opening day that has since grown into a towering pine.

“End of an era, huh?” was a phrase heard throughout the day.

And while the doors officially closed at 4:30 — they opened twice more to allow in a handful of stragglers — though only dark cranberry, mixed dark caramel and almond butter crunch remained in the display case.

The final box of chocolates was sold to Janice Brown.

“We’re so appreciative of everything they have done,” she said as she walked out the door. “I’m very happy for them, but it’s very sad for the rest of the Island.”