Hotel Chocolat, a renowned British chocolatier, is set to make its Chicago debut with the opening of two Velvetiser Cafe locations this April. The first cafe will welcome customers on Thursday, April 3, at 3334 N. Southport Avenue in Lakeview. Later in the month, a second location is slated to open at 900 W. Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park. Both venues occupy spaces formerly held by Foxtrot stores.
These Chicago openings mark Hotel Chocolat’s first U.S. expansion since its acquisition by Mars in January 2024. The confectionery giant, known for products like Twix and M&Ms, purchased Hotel Chocolat for approximately $662 million. With over 150 locations worldwide—including in the U.K., Japan, Ireland, St. Lucia, and Gibraltar—Hotel Chocolat is celebrated for its luxurious hot chocolate, opulent gift boxes, and commitment to sustainable farming practices. The company operates a cacao farm, hotel, and restaurant in St. Lucia, as well as a manufacturing facility in Cambridgeshire, U.K.
Angus Thirlwell, founder and president of Hotel Chocolat, has recently relocated his family to Chicago, residing near the Armitage location. He expressed enthusiasm about the city’s vibrant food scene and architectural beauty, stating, “Chicago has an amazing food culture and the most outstanding architecture and a real boldness about the city as well.” Thirlwell views Chicago as an ideal starting point for the brand’s U.S. introduction according to Eater Chicago.
The Velvetiser Cafes will feature a “Wall of Chocolate,” showcasing over 100 varieties of chocolate, including flavors like lemon curd, spicy chili, maple, and praline. Patrons can indulge in signature hot chocolates crafted with the brand’s at-home hot chocolate machine, the Velvetiser. This device, priced at $150, promises to deliver barista-grade hot chocolate in just 2.5 minutes.
In addition to beverages, the cafes will offer an array of chocolates and confections, such as truffles, pralines, and chocolate slabs. The menu will also include coffee options and a selection of pastries to complement the chocolate offerings.
Hotel Chocolat’s expansion into Chicago reflects its strategy to establish a foothold in the U.S. market, introducing American consumers to its distinctive chocolate creations and immersive cafe experiences.
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