The iconic Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, which first opened for business in 1852, is set to reopen after a six-month renovation. Its historic flagship store in San Francisco has been transformed to celebrate Ghirardelli’s history and craftsmanship as a U.S. chocolate pioneer.
The renovated interior features North America’s largest flowing chocolate wall, a replica of a San Francisco cable car that doubles as a seating area, and displays of antique chocolate-making equipment. The design reflects Ghirardelli’s rich San Francisco history with a tiled mural of the city skyline on the second floor and vintage Ghirardelli advertisements.
The store also features the original 19-foot “G” from the historic, 100-year-old marquee Ghirardelli sign. This is an icon that many travelers and locals identify in San Francisco. The sign components, besides being rewired and outfitted with efficient, low-wattage bulbs, look just as it did in 1932.
Joel Burrows, Ghirardelli’s president, and CEO, can’t wait for the public to experience the redesigned iconic flagship store at Ghirardelli Square. “After being 171 years in business in San Francisco, we are proud of our deep roots in the city.” Burrows said the Original Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop, which was introduced in 1996, was Ghirardelli’s first location that focused on sundaes. “When it reopens, the menu will feature 15 different sundaes, including Ghirardelli’s World-Famous Hot Fudge Sundae. The renovated store format will showcase other fountain and bakery favorites, including milkshakes, hot chocolate, brownies, cookies, and chocolate-covered strawberries.”
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The latest redesign is the second part of a multi-phased renovation project for the brand at Ghirardelli Square. In 2022, the company launched a completely reimagined design for its other flagship retail space – the Chocolate Experience Store.
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