Universal Studios Hollywood has long been a favorite destination for movie buffs and theme park enthusiasts alike. With attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Jurassic World ride, and the iconic Backlot Tour, the park offers an exciting mix of entertainment.
But not every addition to Universal’s CityWalk has been met with resounding success.
One notable example is the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, a steampunk-inspired dining experience that debuted in Hollywood in 2023. While the concept initially promised to replicate the success of its Orlando counterpart, it appears to have fallen short in several key areas.
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The Backstory of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium originally opened at Universal Orlando Resort in 2016 and quickly became a fan favorite. Its blend of whimsical steampunk decor, decadent milkshakes, and immersive storytelling made it a unique addition to Universal’s CityWalk. The Hollywood version, however, has struggled to capture the same magic.
According to the Toothsome backstory, Penelope Toothsome invented Jacques, and together they embarked on a global journey in search of thrilling adventures and unique chocolate recipes. Upon returning to London, Penelope discovered a note from her parents, stating they had set off to find her, following any lead related to chocolate.
Determined to reunite with them, Penelope and Jacques created the steampunk-themed Toothsome Chocolate Emporium as a beacon, hoping it would guide her parents back to her.
Penelope and Jacques—portrayed by walk-around characters—played an integral role in bringing this backstory to life, interacting with guests and adding a theatrical flair to the dining experience.
A Struggling Concept
Since its opening in 2023, the Hollywood iteration of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium has faced mounting challenges. Recently, Universal announced that Penelope and Jacques would no longer appear at the restaurant starting December 30, a move many see as a sign of deeper struggles.
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According to a tweet from Universal HIGH (@HighUniversal),
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in Hollywood is NOT doing well. The restaurant has only lost Universal money. Starting December 30th, the Penelope and Jacque walk-around characters will no longer make appearances in the CityWalk restaurant 😬
@UniStudios
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in Hollywood is NOT doing well. The restaurant has only lost Universal money. Starting December 30th, the Penelope and Jacque walk-around characters will no longer make appearances in the CityWalk restaurant 😬 @UniStudios pic.twitter.com/mmnD1ZU9pb
— Universal HIGH 🌎 (@HighUniversal) December 17, 2024
This change follows another significant alteration earlier this year when the restaurant removed its chocolate counter and merchandise stands, replacing them with a bar area.
The move was reportedly aimed at increasing revenue, but it left many fans disappointed. As one guest put it, “It’s not the same without the chocolate counter—it feels like they took away the heart of the restaurant.”
Why the Restaurant Could Be Struggling
There are several reasons why Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in Hollywood might be falling short of expectations. For one, the dining competition at Universal CityWalk is fierce. With popular options like Voodoo Doughnut, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., guests have plenty of alternatives to choose from. Toothsome’s higher price point and focus on sweet treats may limit its appeal, especially in a market already saturated with dining options.
What’s Next for Toothsome?
The future of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in Hollywood remains uncertain. Universal has not announced any plans to close the restaurant, but the recent changes suggest that the company is reevaluating its approach. Some fans have called for a return to the restaurant’s original concept, including the reinstatement of the chocolate counter and merchandise stands. Others believe that Universal should invest in new marketing strategies to reignite interest in the dining experience.
As Universal Studios Hollywood continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the park addresses the challenges facing Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. For now, fans can only hope that the restaurant finds a way to recapture the magic that made its Orlando counterpart a beloved part of CityWalk.
Are you sad to see the state of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium? Do you think they should get rid of Penelope and Jacques? What can be done to save the eatery? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This has become my favorite restaurant when I first went in April 2023, and I recently went for my birthday the past November. Now that I’m seeing these changes happening, I feel like I’m losing hope in this place. Universal needs to do everything to save this from shutting down forever, because I want this place to stay. I just saw JPLand’s video on this matter, and I agree with his statements on how this could be fixed. It has to be as good as the Orlando version, despite its smaller size.
Another idea, though probably unlikely and controversial, would be to make even more space somewhere around CityWalk in general, so it can have everything the Orlando Toothsome can have.