Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. (San Leandro, Calif.) has unveiled plans to reopen its flagship store in San Francisco on July 13. The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop, at Ghirardelli Square in the Fisherman’s Wharf complex, has been closed for a six-month renovation.
The company says redone store celebrates Ghirardelli’s history as a U.S. chocolate pioneer and its legacy in San Francisco since 1852. It will feature North America’s largest flowing chocolate wall, and in honor of Ghirardelli’s 171-year chocolate history, the first 171 people in line to enter the store will receive a free Ghirardelli sundae.
“We can’t wait for the public to experience our redesigned iconic flagship store at Ghirardelli Square. This shop is located where in the 1960s we first served what is now our World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae,” said Joel Burrows, Ghirardelli’s President and CEO. “We are proud of our deep roots in San Francisco and remain committed to helping Bay Area visitors and locals alike create sweet memories with their families and friends for many more chocolate-loving generations to come.”
Introduced in 1966, the Original Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop was Ghirardelli’s first location that focused on sundaes. When it reopens, the menu will feature 15 different sundaes. Additionally, the renovated store format will showcase other fountain and bakery items.
Other elements of the elevated retail experience include a redesigned Pick n’ Mix space where customers can customize souvenirs featuring their favorite Ghirardelli chocolate squares. The new space also embraces Ghirardelli’s long San Francisco history with a tiled mural of the San Francisco skyline on the second floor, as well as vintage Ghirardelli advertisements in the warmly vibrant Sun Room.
Guests will also be able to see the original, 19-foot Ghirardelli “G” marquee sign up close. The sign, which turns 100 this year, has been rewired and outfitted with efficient, low-wattage bulbs. It’s also now equipped with an LED system that enables each letter to independently display a variety of colors.
The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop redesign is the second part of a multi-phase renovation project for the brand at Ghirardelli Square. Last year, the company unveiled a completely reimagined Chocolate Experience Store, Ghirardelli’s other flagship retail space at Ghirardelli Square. The store concepts and design of the renovation project have been led by Bay Area firm Eight Inc.