Ghirardelli officials and Disney characters cut the ribbon at the new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop on Hollywood Boulevard. Photo provided.

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. is going to be rubbing shoulders with some genuine movie stars soon.

The chocolate company has partnered with The Walt Disney Studios’ El Capitan Theatre to open the new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop on Hollywood Boulevard.

The shop — which is the first of its kind in Los Angeles — will feature Ghirardelli’s world-famous hot fudge sundaes, shakes, floats and delicious assortment of chocolates and beautifully wrapped gifts.  

To celebrate the opening, Ghirardelli Chocolate and Disney featured a specially created sundae treat on Nov. 22 for the opening of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new animated movie, Frozen.

And, the chocolate company plans to create original ice cream sundaes for select film releases in the future.

“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,” says Lylle Breier, senior v.p., Worldwide Special Events for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ghirardelli Chocolate to Hollywood. Ghirardelli chocolate and a Disney movie at the El Cap: How sweet it is!”

Each guest also will get to enjoy a complimentary sample of the signature Ghirardelli Squares chocolate.

The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop and Disney Studio Store is next to the legendary El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), and is open seven days a week.

“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,” says Marty Thompson, president and ceo of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Co.

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 the El Capitan Theatre, highly sought after collectible pins, and a large selection of Blu-Ray and DVD home entertainment.

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. is a manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products. The company recently celebrated 160 years of chocolate making.

Incorporated in 1852, it is the country’s longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer, 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. The company also sells a line of premium chocolate, syrups and drinks for the foodservice channel.