In the conclusion of the first phase of a three-phase renovation, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is reopening its flagship Chocolate Experience Store, located in San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Square on May 20. The space is designed to elevate the customer experience and provides new and exciting ways to celebrate the true craftsmanship of chocolate making. Visitors can expect to be delighted by the delicate taste and aroma of fresh chocolate, warm waffle cones and hand-made hot fudge.
“We are thrilled to unveil the Chocolate Experience Store to our community of chocolate lovers and hometown of San Francisco,” said Justin Reese, vice president of retail and e-commerce at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. “Our premium chocolate, the historic architecture and the stunning views, have made Ghirardelli Square a favorite San Francisco destination. The interior re-design brings a new vibrant experience to the classic space.”
The renovated space sits within the Pioneer Woolen Mill building which was built in 1864 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. As guests walk through the Chocolate Experience Store, they will have the unique opportunity to watch Ghirardelli chocolatiers hand crafting the brand’s signature hot fudge from only three ingredients: pure Ghirardelli chocolate, milk and vanilla. Guests can also personalize a tin of signature chocolate squares selected from the brand’s largest Pick & Mix yet and enjoy a “World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae” in the store’s Alcatraz room while taking in the unobstructed view of San Francisco Bay.
The redesigned Chocolate Experience Store perfectly blends modern design elements, like a custom inlay of the Ghirardelli golden eagle and tile work from San Francisco-based company Heath Ceramics, with core elements of the historic structure, like the original red brick walls and timber beams. Also newly on display are hand painted murals and a collection of vintage Ghirardelli advertising dating back to the company’s beginnings in the mid-nineteenth century.
The second phase of the project — a renovation of Ghirardelli’s Original Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop — is slated to begin in January 2023 and wrap up by May. A pop-up store at the square in place during the renovation process has helped to limit disruption to the visitor experience and Ghirardelli’s business operations.
