If you’ve ever spent time in Burbank, CA and are of the more spooky nature, chances are you’ve heard of or visited Dark Delicacies. A bookstore that caters to horror and sci-fi aficionados, the store has been the labor of love for co-owners Del Howison and his wife, Sue Howison.
“We’ve been open for 30 years, and I could have happily died right here,” Howison told SF Gate. “But my wife Sue wanted to have a life — whatever that is.”
Sure, they sell books and various collectables, but they ALSO host incredible gatherings and signings! (Seriously, just take a look through their social media pages, and you’ll see all kinds of pillars of the horror industry have been through this wonderful place.)
30 years is remarkable for any kind of retail store, especially one that focuses on a specific genre. The fact that they were able to whether the pandemic storm is evidence enough of the special place Dark Delicacies holds in the community.
Back in 2019, a call went out to help secure a new location for the collection, with Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro leading the charge. This time, it isn’t about saving the store, it’s about saying thank you to the family who have given 30 years to a gathering place and celebration of horror.
The Howisons are prepping for their retirement sale on Sunday, March 2nd. And you’ll still have time to stop in and say goodbye. The store is set to close it’s doors April 5th, 2025.
