Ghirardelli’s newly renovated store will include 15 different kinds of sundaes

Last year, Ghirardelli completed a significant renovation of its other Ghirardelli Square flagship location, unveiling a completely reimagined Chocolate Experience Store in May.  Today, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company announced the start of its second flagship store renovation. The company’s Original Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop at Ghirardelli Square is being completely reimagined.

Introduced in 1966, the Original Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop was Ghirardelli’s first location that focused on sundaes. The renovation will elevate the retail experience by reformatting the store’s layout, adding new finishes, and bringing more of the treat-making front and center. The renovated store format will showcase the brand’s history in chocolate, sundae making and other fountain and bakery favorites like milkshakes, hot chocolate, brownies, cookies and freshly made daily hot fudge. Other notable aspects of the newly renovated store will include 15 different kinds of sundaes, including Ghirardelli’s World-Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, and antique chocolate-making equipment on display.

A new San Francisco cable car replica will also be a feature of the new store, along with vintage Ghirardelli memorabilia, an antique chocolate melanger, and the first Ghirardelli “G” from the original landmark sign, which for decades sat atop the property (the sign turns 100 years old this year!). The sign atop the building today is equipped with a color-changing Color Kinetics LED system that enables each letter to independently display a variety of colors.  A fan-favorite Pick & Mix station will also feature dozens of chocolate square flavors to choose from.

In addition to the newly remodeled Chocolate Experience Store and the takeout-oriented Ghirardelli-On-The-Go location (which serves a more streamlined menu designed for takeout), Ghirardelli will operate a pop-up store at the square during the construction process to limit disruption and extend the Ghirardelli experience.

The newly renovated Original Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop is slated to reopen in the Summer of 2023.

Rendering credit: Eight Inc.