Today, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company announced that it will soon reopen the flagship Chocolate Experience Store in San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Square. This space will enhance the customer experience and offer new ways to celebrate the craftmanship involved in chocolate making. The delicate aroma and taste of fresh chocolate, warm waffle cones and hand-made hot Fudge will delight visitors. London Breed, San Francisco Mayor, will be attending the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 20, at a grand celebration that starts at 11:30 AM PST.
Justin Reese (VP of Retail and eCommerce, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company) said that the Chocolate Experience Store is a great addition to our chocolate-loving community. Ghirardelli Square is a popular San Francisco spot because of its premium chocolate, historic architecture, and stunning views. The classic space has been given a fresh, vibrant look thanks to the interior redesign.
Family-friendly entertainment will be provided for all ages with live music, balloon art and face painting. To celebrate 170 th anniversary, the first 170 customers to line up will be given a World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae. Mayor Breed will be joined by Ghirardelli executives and Eight Inc. representatives. Jamestown property management representatives and Kate Sofis (Executive Director of San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development) will also participate in the event.
Mayor Breed stated that Ghirardelli Square is a favorite spot in the city, which residents and tourists alike love to return to. We know that COVID had a major impact on the tourism industry. As we recover, it is crucial to create new experiences for all. Ghirardelli has been bringing people to San Francisco’s waterfront for almost 130 years ago, and they will continue doing so with the reopening of their Chocolate Experience Store.
The Pioneer Woolen Mill, which was constructed in 1864, is the location of the renovated space. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Chocolate Experience Store offers guests the chance to see Ghirardelli chocolatiers making the brand’s hot fudge using only three ingredients: Ghirardelli chocolate, milk, and vanilla. Guests will also be able to personalize a tin with signature chocolate squares from the brand’s largest Pick & Mix. They can also enjoy a World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae while enjoying the stunning view of San Francisco Bay in the Alcatraz Room.
You can also find fresh chocolate bars made from almonds and hazelnuts that are roasted in-house, pure Ghirardelli chocolate flowing out of tempering taps, and ice cream served in waffle cones and bowls. View the complete store menu.
The redesigned Chocolate Experience Store seamlessly blends modern design elements such as a custom inlay with the Ghirardelli golden eagle, and tile work by Heath Ceramics from SF, with the core elements of the historic structure like the original red brick walls, and timber beams. Hand-painted murals, as well as a collection of vintage Ghirardelli advertisements, are now on display.
“In collaboration with Ghirardelli, we aimed at blending historic elements of this iconic space with new, engaging components of Ghirardelli’s retail environment,” stated Edmond Kuan (managing principal of Eight Inc, a Bay Area-based design firm.
The Chocolate Experience Store reopening marks the completion of the first phase of the three-phase renovations to the iconic chocolate company’s Ghirardelli Square space. The second phase, which will see the renovation of Ghirardelli’s Original Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, is scheduled to start in January 2023 and finish by May. The renovations have resulted in a temporary store being set up at the square. This has allowed Ghirardelli to manage the disruption to their business operations and the visitor experience.
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store can be found at 900 North Point Street in San Francisco CA 94109. The store will be open from Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Friday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm.
