This is a prime example of what happens when a multi-national takes over a small operation...
I've been a fan of Ethel M chocolates for years. They were one of the first American chocolatiers who figured out that when producing a fruit cream, you wanted to taste the fruit as well as the chocolate.
Having been to the factory several times in the past, I was very disappointed to find out that you now enter via a large M&M store. (Strangely, M&Ms just don't scream artisan chocolate to me.)
Having rebranded to "Ethel's Chocolate Lounge" they have added a considerable amount of new inventory that isn't quite as unique as their "classics," but they were still pretty good.
The total lack of attention to the cactus garden was disheartening. Many of the plants are dead or dying and the cactus beds were sorely in need of attention.
It was also sad to see that Mars (the parent company of Ethel's) dropped the natural water treatment plant they had on-site - which was not only interesting, but showed an environmental awareness unheard of in Las Vegas.
I'm sure this was my last visit to the factory. Even with the corporate takeover of so many successful chocolatiers, there are many artisan chocolates available elsewhere. I'm sure Mars will survive with the profits from their pedestrian products such as Skittles and M&Ms.
Overall, I got the feeling that most of the people touring the factory were less than impressed with the offerings and I wouldn't be surprised if Mars shut it down in the near future. (It is pretty obvious they aren't putting any money or effort into the cactus garden and I would say that is indicative of things to come.)
It is kind of sad to see yet another great company killed off by a corporate giant.
Bottom line, the chocolate is good, but the factory and cactus gardens are now an afterthought.