Ghirardelli Chocolate Company to Open 11/15 on Hollywood Boulevard

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, America's oldest operating chocolate manufacturer, announces the grand opening of its newest soda fountain and chocolate shop on Friday, November 15th, joining The Walt Disney Studios' El Capitan Theatre and Disney Studio Store on Hollywood Boulevard.

The shop-the first in Los Angeles-will give moviegoers, visitors and locals a chance to experience Ghirardelli's world-famous hot fudge sundaes, shakes, floats, and delicious assortment ofchocolates and beautifully wrapped gifts. Each guest will also enjoy a complimentary sample of the signature Ghirardelli SQUARES chocolate. The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop and Disney Studio Store will be located next to the legendary El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Boulevard), and will be open seven days a week.

"Ghirardelli Chocolate is honored to join Disney on Hollywood Boulevard to bring visitors and moviegoers an unforgettable experience," said Marty Thompson, President and CEO of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. "We have been bringing quality chocolate to the public for over 160 years, and this iconic location in the heart of Hollywood is the perfect place to continue the tradition."

To celebrate the opening, Ghirardelli Chocolate and Disney will feature a specially created sundae treat for the opening of Walt Disney Animation Studios' new animated movie "Frozen" this November. In future months, Ghirardelli Chocolate will create original ice cream sundaes for select film releases, providing El Capitan moviegoers with a unique Ghirardelli experience. The new soda fountain and chocolate shop joins the existing Disney Studio Store which offers an assortment of classic Disney character souvenirs, merchandise from current film releases playing at El Capitan Theatre, highly sought after collectible pins, and a large selection of Blu-Ray and DVD home entertainment.

"The El Capitan Theatre has always been about giving guests the ultimate entertainment experience. And now, with Ghirardelli, an extraordinary experience becomes even more unforgettable," said Lylle Breier, senior vice president, Worldwide Special Events for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. "Families and movie lovers from all over can come to the El Capitan, see a great Disney movie, and enjoy a memorable, delicious after-movie treat. We're thrilled to welcome Ghirardelli Chocolate to Hollywood. Ghirardelli chocolate and a Disney movie at the El Cap: How sweet it is!"

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products who recently celebrated 160 years of chocolate making. Incorporated in 1852, Ghirardelli has an incredibly rich American history. As the country's longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer, Ghirardelli has established its position as America's Premium Chocolate Company and one of few companies who control the entire bean to bar process. Ghirardelli currently owns and operates 18 retail stores in five states, including the original Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located in San Francisco's historic Ghirardelli Square, and inside Disney's California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort.

Ghirardelli's product line includes its signature SQUARES chocolate, Intense Dark chocolate, Gourmet Milk chocolate, Ghirardelli Chocolate Bars, other chocolate confections, baking chocolate and beverages. These items are sold through select specialty stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers and department stores. In addition, Ghirardelli sells a line of premium chocolate, syrups and drinks for the Food Service channel. For more information about Ghirardelli, visit www.ghirardelli.com.

Step into Hollywood's glittering past at the legendary El Capitan Theatre, which made its debut on May 3, 1926 as Hollywood's first home of Spoken Drama. This grand theatre has been restored to its original elegance of Spanish Colonial exterior and boasts a colorful and lavish East Indian interior designed by renowned San Francisco architect G. Albert Lansburgh. In 1941, Orsen Welles' Academy Award winning CITIZEN KANE made its World Premiere at the El Capitan. As an exclusive first run theatre for Walt Disney Studios, today the El Capitan Theatre sets a new standard for World Premieres, live stage shows, Disney attractions, andother special events that have helped restore showmanship to Hollywood Boulevard. For more information, visit www.elcapitantickets.com or call 1-800-DISNEY6.

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