Hotel Chocolat, the British chocolatier, is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the grand opening of two new stores in Chicago. As the brand expands, these latest openings in the city’s vibrant Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighbourhoods, mark a significant moment in its mission to share the joy of premium chocolate with the world.
Blending the world of luxury chocolate with sustainable cocoa farming, the stores will feature a groundbreaking range of Hotel Chocolat offerings as well as their industry leading hot chocolate machine – the Velvetiser™, making chocolatier-crafted hot chocolate flakes at the touch of a button.
Set to open from Thursday 3rd April, the two new retail locations will offer a unique immersive experience, fusing premium chocolate gifting with the much-loved Velvetiser Café.
Chicago customers can look forward to:
- The “Wall of Chocolate”, showcasing over 100 exquisite recipes, from the zesty Lemon Curd to the warming Chilli & Maple, and the timelessly indulgent Praline.
- The Velvetiser Café, serving the brand’s signature drinking chocolate in eighteen irresistible recipes, including Black Forest Gateau and Salted Caramel.
- A liquid chocolate tap, allowing chocolate aficionados to drizzle molten chocolate over ice cream or baked goods for an unforgettable flavour experience.
- An unparalleled gifting selection, including the iconic Hotel Chocolat Sleekster, featuring 27 of the Hotel Chocolat’s most celebrated chocolates – the perfect present for any occasion.
Guests will also have the opportunity to learn more about Hotel Chocolat’s commitment to sustainability through its pioneering gentle farming initiatives, which ensure ethical cocoa sourcing and a sustainable future for chocolate lovers everywhere.
“Hotel Chocolat is on a mission to reinvent chocolate globally – transforming the way it is enjoyed with unique formats and flavors,” said Angus Thirlwell, President and Founder of Hotel Chocolat. “We are delighted to bring Hotel Chocolat to the vibrant city of Chicago and introduce a new kind of elevated chocolate experience for people to fall in love with.”
“At Hotel Chocolat, we’re obsessed with having a deep understanding of flavor, individual tastes and consumer preference,” said Kelly Goering, General Manager, Hotel Chocolat US. “The Chicago debut of our Hotel Chocolat retail stores are bringing an uplifting and inventive chocolate experience to fans, through unique offerings like our “Wall of Chocolat” with 100 different tastings to try, along with an unmatched gifting selection, and seasonal favorites just in time for spring.”
The new stores will open their doors in early April at 3334 North Southport (Lakeview) and 900 West Armitage (Lincoln Park).
For Chicago food lovers, Hotel Chocolat is collaborating with esteemed local artisans to enhance its café and retail offerings. This includes James Beard Award-winning chef Greg Wade and his celebrated Publican Quality Bread, crafting an exclusive pastry selection – including a must-try custom banana bread. Meanwhile, Metric Coffee and Spirit Tea will provide an expertly curated selection of lattes, cold brews, matcha, and premium teas.
With its continued expansion, Hotel Chocolat remains dedicated to redefining luxury chocolate, bringing its signature craftsmanship, ethical values, and passion for flavour to new audiences.
For more information about Hotel Chocolat’s Chicago stores, visit us.hotelchocolat.com or follow Hotel Chocolat on @hotelchocolatUSA.
