Get ready, chocoholics! The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company announced that the grand opening of its first-ever New York Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop in the Empire State Building on Tuesday, August 6. The announcement marks two icons coming together – the building that has long defined the New York City skyline, and the country’s oldest, continually operating premium chocolate brand, originally founded in San Francisco in 1852.
To commemorate this moment in Ghirardelli’s 172-year history, Ghirardelli will host a ribbon cutting at the new store at noon on August 6 hosted by CEO Joel Burrows, alongside Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, New Yorker and chocolate enthusiast Mary J. Blige. Following the ribbon cutting, Ghirardelli will offer 102 free Ghirardelli “World Famous Hot Fudge Sundaes” to the first attendees who claim their spot in line – one for each story of the building. Also available will be $5 mini sundaes from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“We’re thrilled to open our first New York store in the Empire State Building. Now anyone who visits the iconic building can put a cherry on top of their experience by enjoying one of our famous sundaes there,” said Burrows. “Our new store is an important next chapter in our company’s long, rich history. We pride ourselves in making chocolate so delicious it Makes Life a Bite Better.”
The new Empire State Building store’s menu will feature 13 different specialty sundaes, and other new products. The new 2,758 square foot store itself pays homage to the brand’s foundational San Francisco history through a replica of the classic Ghirardelli marquee sign, blue and gold tiling throughout the store and a hot fudge kettle machine. The location will also showcase fountain and bakery favorites like sundaes, milkshakes, hot chocolate, coffee, brownies, cookies, and chocolate covered strawberries.
