Empire State Building to Mark 95th Anniversary with Ghirardelli Pop-Up Experience
The iconic Empire State Building is preparing to celebrate its 95th anniversary with a special, limited-time culinary experience in collaboration with the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. The celebration will feature a unique pop-up activation at the building’s 86th Floor Observation Deck, offering visitors an exclusive dessert experience that blends history, tourism, and indulgence at one of New York City’s most visited attractions.
Running daily from April 10 through May 10, the anniversary pop-up is designed to bring a “sweet touch” to the landmark’s milestone celebration. The initiative highlights the ongoing partnership between the Empire State Building and Ghirardelli, which already operates a popular chocolate and ice cream shop on the building’s ground floor. Together, the two brands aim to enhance the visitor experience by combining world-famous skyline views with a specially curated dessert offering available only for a limited time.
At the center of the celebration is a new exclusive dessert creation called the Kong Sundae. Designed specifically for the anniversary event, the sundae is a rich, visually striking treat that pays tribute to both the Empire State Building’s cultural legacy and Ghirardelli’s heritage in premium chocolate making. The dessert features creamy vanilla ice cream topped with Ghirardelli’s signature handcrafted hot fudge, whipped cream, diced almonds, and a bright red cherry. Completing the presentation is a themed “Chocolatey Kong” topping, adding a playful and commemorative touch to the creation.
The Kong Sundae has been carefully crafted to reflect both indulgence and storytelling, combining classic American dessert elements with a unique design inspired by the Empire State Building’s iconic status in global pop culture. Known for its appearances in films, photographs, and tourism campaigns, the Empire State Building remains one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the world, making it a fitting location for a one-of-a-kind dessert experience.
According to observatory leadership, the collaboration is intended to enhance the visitor experience while celebrating nearly a century of the building’s history. Dan Rogoski, Observatory General Manager at the Empire State Building, noted that the partnership with Ghirardelli provides a meaningful way to engage guests during the anniversary period. He emphasized that the combination of premium dessert offerings and the unique setting of the 86th Floor Observation Deck creates a memorable experience for visitors from around the world.
The 86th Floor Observation Deck is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the city skyline. Visitors can see landmarks such as Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and beyond, making it a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travelers. During the anniversary celebration, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the exclusive Kong Sundae while taking in these iconic views, adding an extra layer of experience to their visit.
In addition to the Kong Sundae, guests will also be able to purchase Classic Hot Cocoa as part of the limited-time menu offerings. Both items will be available daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., allowing visitors throughout the day to enjoy themed treats while exploring the observation deck. The pricing for the featured items includes $18 for the Kong Sundae and $11 for the Classic Hot Cocoa.
The pop-up experience is designed not only as a celebration of the Empire State Building’s 95-year legacy but also as an extension of Ghirardelli’s presence within the landmark. The company’s chocolate and ice cream shop, located at 16 West 34th Street on the building’s ground floor, has long been a popular stop for visitors seeking premium desserts before or after their observation deck experience. During the anniversary period, the shop will continue to serve its full menu, including sundaes, shakes, cocoa drinks, and a variety of chocolate products.
Ghirardelli leadership has expressed excitement about bringing the special dessert experience to the top of the building for the first time. Lacey Zane, Vice President of Restaurant and Retail at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, explained that the Kong Sundae was developed specifically to honor the brand’s connection to the Empire State Building. She noted that the opportunity to serve observatory guests directly on the 86th floor adds a new dimension to the partnership and allows visitors to experience the dessert in one of the most scenic dining environments in the world.
The collaboration highlights a growing trend of experiential marketing at major tourist destinations, where brands partner with landmark attractions to create immersive and memorable visitor experiences. By combining food, entertainment, and iconic locations, these activations aim to deepen engagement and encourage repeat visitation while celebrating cultural milestones.
For the Empire State Building, the 95th anniversary represents a significant moment in its long history as a global architectural and cultural icon. Since its completion in 1931, the building has stood as a symbol of New York City’s ambition and resilience, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its observation decks remain among the most visited in the world, offering unmatched views and a strong emotional connection to the city’s skyline.
The introduction of the Ghirardelli pop-up experience adds a celebratory and sensory dimension to the anniversary, allowing visitors to not only see the city from above but also enjoy a themed culinary offering that enhances the overall experience. By integrating a limited-time dessert menu into the observation deck visit, the collaboration creates a unique blend of taste and tourism that aligns with the building’s legacy of innovation and cultural relevance.
As the anniversary celebration unfolds over the course of a month, visitors to the Empire State Building will have the opportunity to take part in a historic milestone while enjoying a specially crafted dessert experience. The partnership with Ghirardelli Chocolate Company underscores the continued appeal of combining iconic brands and landmarks to create unforgettable moments for guests from around the world.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
