The Universal Orlando Resort has some really great dining options, both in the theme parks and on CityWalk. Guests can enjoy delicious margaritas and Volcano Nachos at Margaritaville, cut into a delicious Sunday Roast at The Three Broomsticks, and watch a jam out while enjoying a scrumptious cheeseburger at the Hard Rock Café.
In 2016, a brand-new restaurant opened, serving steampunk Willy Wonka vibes, truly delicious meals, over-the-top milkshakes, and a stunning array of handmade chocolates. That new restaurant was Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.
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The restaurant was such a hit — and still is, eight years later — that, in 2019, Universal Studios Hollywood announced that it was closing its Hard Rock Café and replacing it with Toothsome’s second location.
Originally slated to open in CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood in early 2020, the pandemic postponed its debut until January 2023. This delay not only impacted the restaurant’s launch but also altered consumer behavior. Visitors became more discerning about dining experiences, leading to increased expectations surrounding food quality and variety.
Recently, Universal Studios shocked fans by announcing that the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Studios Hollywood would remove its beloved chocolate shop and replace it with a bar. This transformation entails eliminating the expansive array of chocolate offerings, which once attracted numerous visitors eager to indulge in artisanal sweets.
The new concept, focusing on beverage service rather than the signature chocolate experiences, raised questions among loyal patrons. Many expressed disappointment and concern over losing the enchanting chocolate offerings that made Toothsome stand out among other dining venues within the park.
I mean, how can it be Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium if there is no longer a chocolate emporium?
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In a surprising move preceding these changes, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium announced a significant 90% discount on merchandise at its Hollywood location. This clearance sale, while providing fans with an opportunity to snag items at an incredibly low price, sparked curiosity about the store’s future. Some speculated that the discount was a strategic effort to clear inventory before the impending changes.
However, the timing led to speculation that the restaurant faced difficulties that necessitated drastic adjustments. The clearing of merchandise did not hint at the removal of the chocolate emporium until the official announcement, making the sale appear even more perplexing to attendees.
Looking ahead, the future of the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium remains uncertain. The restaurant’s new bar concept will need to attract a steady flow of guests to thrive in a competitive dining environment. Universal Studios will likely monitor performance indicators closely, assessing whether this rebranding can meet the expectations of visitors.
There is also potential for the restaurant to undergo further rebranding. Feedback from the community and guest engagement will likely play crucial roles in shaping its trajectory. Should the new bar concept fall short, Universal might consider restoring elements of the chocolate emporium or exploring alternative offerings that resonate more with the customer base.
What do you think of Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium getting rid of its chocolate emporium? Was it a mistake? Let us know in the comments!
