Ghirardelli to open its first-ever NYC store

The world-famous Empire State Building is landing a sweet new retail tenant.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company will make its New York City debut, opening a 2,758-sq.-ft. retail space on the base level of the Manhattan landmark. The famed chocolatier will join the building's other food and beverage retailers, including Chipotle, Chopt, Juice Press, Tacombi, STATE Grill and Bar, Samurice and Starbucks Reserve.

“Ghirardelli perfectly complements our excellent mix of food and beverage options for tenants and Observatory visitors at the Empire State Building,” said Fred C. Posniak, senior VP, leasing, Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT). “We are pleased to welcome Ghirardelli Chocolate Company to the most authentic, iconic location in Manhattan.”

ESRT says that retail tenants at the Empire State Building benefit from high foot traffic and a prime location near major subway lines and transportation hubs. 

Ghirardelli was founded in 1852 by Italian chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli. The brand is known for its miniature squares, chocolate balls and more.

“Ghirardelli Chocolate is excited to open our first shop in New York. We are proud of our 171-year history that started in San Francisco, and pride ourselves in making quality chocolate so delicious it Makes Life a Bite Better,” said a Ghirardelli Chocolate Company a spokesperson. “We can’t wait to welcome our guests in New York to create sweet memories with friends and family for many generations to come. Our shops are designed to showcase our history and heritage and highlight our craft in handmaking our hot fudge. It truly feels like the cherry on top to open in New York City’s iconic Empire State Building.”

As of Sept. 30, 2023, ESRT's portfolio includes approximately 8.6 million rentable square feet of office space, 0.7 million rentable square feet of retail space and 727 residential units.