Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience

Ghirardelli Reopens Chocolate Store at San Francisco Landmark Ghirardelli Square After Massive Makeover | Eater SF

"Reopening on May 20 after an extensive redesign, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience Store inside the Woolen Mill Building at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco occupies a 5,985-square-foot space where the 170-year-old company aims to bring customers into the chocolate-making process. The makeover, led by Eight Inc., updates the retail while allowing the shop to produce fresh chocolate bars in-store and roast hazelnuts and almonds for customers to sample; head of R&D Steve Genzoli highlights that freshly roasted nuts folded into chocolate “explode” in the mouth, and the new layout will let visitors smell just-formed chocolate and baking waffle cones. Retail staples remain: sundaes are still the main draw (including a sea-salt sundae nodding to Ocean Beach and a brownie sundae honoring Land’s End), the Pick & Mix lets fans build bags from more than 40 flavors of chocolate squares (with over 20 available daily), and on-site photo printing lets guests personalize tins and bags at no extra cost. Huge windows bring natural light, views of Alcatraz, and visibility into back-of-house operations, and the redesign also emphasizes community engagement through partnerships such as support for the Boys and Girls Club." - Paolo Bicchieri