West Newton just got a little sweeter.

Hilliards Chocolates—an iconic 101-year-old, family-owned New England chocolatier—opened its store on the corner of Chestnut and Washington streets. The move is a homecoming of sorts, because years ago, Hilliards had multiple stores in Newton.

“Welcome home!” Mayor Ruthanne Fuller beamed as she spoke before the ceremonial ribbon-cutting. She kept her remarks outside brief, because people were already staring at the door and salivating for samples of sweetness. “Thank you for believing in coming back home, and we’re thrilled for the Thanksgiving and December holidays. Everybody come on in and support them. Make sure they have a great opening five weeks.”

The ribbon-cutting and grand opening saw a packed house, with cores of sweet-toothed shoppers—including Mayor-elect Marc Laredo, the three Ward 3 city councilors and Economic Development Director John Sisson—forming a line that wrapped throughout the store at one point.

The most popular items? The almond toffee crunch bark and chocolate-covered Oreos, which come in seasonal and holiday varieties.

Perley and Jessie Hilliard launched the candy company in Boston in 1924 and expanded it to include shops throughout Greater Boston, including Newton for a while, and part of Connecticut. The business is now in its fourth generation of family ownership.

Newman Properties purchased the former Bank of America building at 1 Chestnut St. in West Newton last year, intent on finding a long-term tenant, and the City Council approved the sale of land containing several nearby parking spaces to Hilliards, which was a condition of the property sale.

Hilliards Chocolates makes a variety of confections, including these S’mores chocolate truffles. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Perley and Jessie Hilliards’ great-great-granddaughter, Meagan Dec, said the company’s past ties to Newton made the choice to return an easy one once the former Bank of America building opened up on that corner.

“When we saw this building here, it was just felt kind of like just the most perfect location, with beautiful visibility right on the corner,” she said as customers poured into the shop. “This is 100-year-old building, and we’re 100-year-old business, and it just felt kind of like coming home and returning to our roots. Something just felt right about this particular building, and we were really excited.”

For Hilliards co-owner Gordon Scott, the new location really is home. He lives in West Newton, and he gets to work in his own neighborhood—selling chocolate.

“It’s just so exciting,” Scott said. “You know, it’s we’ve been watching some of the investment in West Newton Square, and we’re just really humbled and excited to be a part of it. And being in my backyard, I’m excited to enjoy it.”

This new 2,476-square-foot building is Hilliard’s fourth location, with other stores located in North Easton, Norwell and Mansfield.

Hilliards Chocolates at 1 Chestnut St. is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hilliards Chocolates in West Newton has a variety of holiday gifts for sale. Photo by Bryan McGonigle