CHICAGO -- It was only a matter of time before Chicago's Magnificent Mile got its very own magnificent chocolate machine.
At least that's what the folks at Hershey's must have been figuring when they planned their new Hershey's Chicago retail outlet, a 3,600-sq.-ft. store overflowing with chocolate and candy straight from the legendary confectioner in Hershey, Pa.
While the store has been open to the public for a few weeks, Hershey's threw open the doors of the sweet shop for an evening reception on June 14, followed by an official [image-nocss] celebration the next morning when a giant chocolate key opened the doors at 10:00 a.m.
After spending the day getting a sugar buzz at the All Candy Expo, a group of industry folks made their way to the reception at the store, located on North Michigan Avenue (a.k.a. the Magnificent Mile) near the city's historic water tower.
Guests got to try out the Hershey's Magnificent Chocolate Works machine, which makes you an official Hershey's Factory Worker, with a photo ID and a hat. The two-story machine lets consumers package Hershey's products to their liking, complete with literal bells and whistles.
Speaking of bells and whistles, the Milton Hershey School Fifth Grade Jazz Band entertained folks as they filed in and out of the packed store. They were joined outside by the Hershey's Kissmobilethree giant Hershey's Kisses on wheelswhich drew stares from locals and shoppers.
Hershey's Chicago also features Cookies & Cocoa-To-Go, a presentation bakery where Hersheyizers entertain visitors as they custom decorate a selection of cupcakes, cookies and brownies. Also at the bakery, customers can pick from a selection of hot and cold beverages made with Hershey's products.
And the store showcases a comprehensive collection of Hershey's products, as well as other one-of-a-kind items found only at Hershey's Chicago.
The Chicago store is the second of its kind; Hershey's Times Square opened in 2002. Both are cousins of the Hershey's Chocolate World attraction in Hershey, Pa.
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