Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has made an exciting announcement today regarding the reopening of its flagship store, the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop, located at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. After a meticulous six-month renovation of the historic building, the store is ready to unveil its new look and invite visitors to experience Ghirardelli’s rich heritage as a trailblazer in the U.S. chocolate industry. The reopening is scheduled for Thursday, July 13, 2023, marking a significant milestone for the company’s enduring legacy in San Francisco since the 1850s.
The revitalized design of the store showcases captivating features, including the largest flowing chocolate wall in North America, the original 19-foot “G” from Ghirardelli’s iconic sign, a charming replica San Francisco cable car serving as a unique seating area, captivating displays of antique chocolate-making equipment, and various other delightful surprises awaiting guests to discover.
Joel Burrows, Ghirardelli’s President and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are eagerly anticipating the public’s first-hand experience of our iconic flagship store at Ghirardelli Square. This location holds special significance as it was here, back in the 1960s, that we first introduced our now-renowned World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae. With a remarkable 171 years of business in San Francisco, we take immense pride in our deep roots within the city. We are dedicated to creating sweet memories for Bay Area locals and visitors alike, ensuring that Ghirardelli remains a cherished destination for chocolate lovers for generations to come.”
To commemorate the grand reopening of the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop on July 13, an exciting day of celebration will commence at 10:00 am. The festivities will include live music performances by Sueños, an array of outdoor games and engaging experiences scattered throughout Ghirardelli Square. The highlight of the event will be the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, led by Kelly Rowland, an esteemed artist, singer, actor, producer, and best-selling writer, who has earned multiple Grammy Awards©. Joined by the Ghirardelli management team and community partners, Kelly Rowland will officially mark the reopening at 11:00 am.
The public is wholeheartedly invited to partake in the joyous occasion. In honor of Ghirardelli’s remarkable 171-year history, the first 171 individuals in line for the store’s reopening will be treated to a delectable Ghirardelli World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, as a token of appreciation.
Kelly Rowland expressed her excitement, sharing, “As a genuine chocolate enthusiast, I am thrilled to be part of Ghirardelli’s next chapter. A trip to San Francisco simply isn’t complete without savoring a delicious sundae at Ghirardelli Square. And now, with an even more stunning ambiance, the experience of indulging in Ghirardelli’s distinctive chocolate creations is bound to be truly memorable.”
Originally introduced in 1966, the Original Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop at Ghirardelli’s flagship location was the company’s pioneering establishment dedicated to sundaes. Upon its reopening, the menu will feature an enticing selection of 15 different sundaes, including the beloved World-Famous Hot Fudge Sundae. Additionally, visitors can delight in a variety of other fountain and bakery favorites, ranging from milkshakes, hot chocolate, brownies, cookies to chocolate-covered strawberries.
As part of the enhanced retail experience, visitors can look forward to a redesigned Pick n’ Mix area where they can personalize souvenirs featuring their favorite Ghirardelli chocolate squares. The new space also pays homage to San Francisco’s vibrant history, featuring a striking tiled mural showcasing the city skyline on the second floor, along with the warmly vibrant Sun Room adorned with vintage Ghirardelli advertisements.
Guests will have the extraordinary opportunity to admire the original 19-foot Ghirardelli “G” up close. This year marks the centennial anniversary of the iconic Ghirardelli marquee sign, which has become a symbol associated with San Francisco for both locals and travelers. The sign has been meticulously restored, utilizing energy-efficient, low-wattage bulbs while retaining its original appearance from 1923 when illuminated displays were a novelty. The sign now incorporates a Color Kinetics LED system, allowing each letter to independently showcase a captivating array of colors.
The redesign of the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop is the second phase of an extensive renovation project at Ghirardelli Square. Last year, the company unveiled the completely transformed Chocolate Experience Store, another flagship retail space within Ghirardelli Square. The store concepts and design for this multi-phase renovation have been led by the acclaimed Bay Area firm, Eight Inc.
Website: https://www.ghirardelli.com/
