Chocolate Bar: Internationally Expands; Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar Expands to Dubai & Middle East Region in Partnership with United Restaurant Development

Partnership deal could bring as many as 30 Alison Nelson Chocolate Bar’s to the Middle East region whose territories include the Kingdom of Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

NEW YORK CITY (PRWEB) September 1, 2006 -- Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar, New York City’s candy store for grown-ups offering cosmopolitan luxury through old-fashioned collections and unique inspirations announced today the company has reached a partnership deal with Dubai-based NewCo, a newly established subsidiary of United Restaurant Development (URD), to expand the brand to Duabi (UAE) and the Middle East. The ten year deal could bring as many as 30 Alison Nelson Chocolate Bar’s to the region whose territories include the Kingdom of Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The boutiques are expected to begin rolling out over 2007.

The move is part of an aggressive expansion plan to bring Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar’s into new settings and markets. Since its inception in 2002, Chocolate Bar has received numerous awards including the 2004 “Best Chocolate Store” from Timeout New York and the 2006 Crain’s New York Business “40 Under 40” Award for its founder Alison Nelson. In 2006, the company opened its second location Chocolate Bar LBI in Long Beach Island located in Beach Haven, NJ which includes a retail component, a bar counter and a new line of baked goods. In September, 2006, Chocolate Bar will exclusively manage the café at Dance Theater Workshop. Chocolate Bar DTW will offer an expansive line of baked goods and deserts along with wine and beer. Chocolate Bar at Henri Bendel with its own line of chocolate confections, baked goods, savory sandwiches, soups and salads, imported wine, beer and champagne is due to be unveiled this holiday season and Chocolate Bar Toronto a hybrid chocolate boutique/ spirits bar is planned to open in partnership with nightclub legend Peter Gatien in 2007. Chocolate Bar products can be found around the globe in such illustrious destinations as Soho House, Henri Bendel, IFC Waverly, The Chambers Hotel, Charlie Trotters, Landmark Theaters, the Andy Warhol Museum, Mission Bay Foods, Sunshine Cinemas, Le Grand Marche, Haute Chocolate and Zanzabelle to name a few. Interested media who wish to interview Chocolate Bar owner Alison Nelson please contact Workhouse Publicity, CEO Adam Nelson by telephone 212.645.8006 or via email.

Chocolate Bar New York
Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar is a candy store for grown-ups offering cosmopolitan luxury through old-fashioned collections and unique inspirations. Incorporating style, comfort and classic New York treats, Chocolate Bar features retro-reconfigured sweets along with a signature line of nostalgia-influenced chocolate bars. Since it’s inception in 2002, Chocolate Bar has received numerous awards including “Best Chocolate Store” from Timeout New York, 2 Citysearch “Best of Shopping” Awards, the Gourmand World Cookbook Award and more. The boutique's dazzling menu includes authentic New York Egg Creams, rich coffee, fine teas, nine kinds of iced and hot chocolates and pastries. Decadent confections are available for everything from Corporate gifts to personalized wedding and party favors. Online orders are available through Chocolate Bar's dynamic web site which allows visitors to order a host of scrumptious items including truffles, chocolate bars, hot chocolate, tea and more. Chocolate Bar New York is located at 48 Eighth Avenue between Horatio & Jane Streets. Consumers can order product for delivery anywhere in the U.S by calling 1.800.481.2462. For more information visit www.chocolatebarnyc.com

In the heart of New York's West Village sits a small storefront that has started a mini-revolution among chocolate lovers. Chocolate Bar, a cozy but cosmopolitan sweet shop has broken chocolate out of its stuffy Valentine mold and inspired the notion that this cherished treat can be fun, unfussy and possess more than a dash of decadence. Fully devoted to reviving the nostalgia-influenced confections that once graced the tables of the World's Fair, Automats, Boardwalks and dime-store candy shops, carnivals and diners of yesteryear, Chocolate Bar continues to churn out retro-reconfigured favorites using only the freshest ingredients and highest quality. This year, the future is now and chocolate is the life of the party! All aspects of youth culture, from punk rock to mod fashion, luxury and graphic design are prevalent in this season's provocative collection. Not a substance to be treated with reserve, it's a slightly sweet-bitter-caffeinated, completely legal party enhancer. It's serious brew. At Chocolate Bar the world of cosmopolitan cocoa is filled with swinging sugar soiree's and perfect chocolate martini's.

Chocolate Bar LBI
Pack your bikini’s! Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar, New York’s candy store for grown-ups hits the beach and unveils Chocolate Bar LBI located at 218 Centre Street in Beach Haven, New Jersey. Operating hours from 10am- 10pm Monday- Sunday. Delivering the Shore’s most delectable treats with grown-up flair, beachcombers will finally be able to enjoy a classic drink menu of iced milk shakes, fresh baked goods including muffins, croissants, spicy brownies, cookies and scones and dig into truffles, signature bars, retro and artist bars, toffee and more. Avoid a chocolate wipeout and head to the Atlantic Ocean where the surf’s up and you can always find Betties hanging 10. Directions: Exit 63 from the Garden State Parkway. Take 72 East to the end and make right on Long Beach Boulevard. Follow for 7 miles. Make left on Centre Street (Kapler's Pharmacy on the corner). Chocolate Bar is located a 1/2 blocks down on the right.

Chocolate Bar: Awards
Winner Shecky’s 2006 New York City Best Chocolate Fix: Chocolate Bar
Winner of 2 Citysearch 2005 Shopping Awards: “Best Gourmet Store” & “Best West Village Shop”
Winner Citysearch Best Hot Chocolate: Chocolate Bar
Winner 2006 Crain’s “40 Under 40”: Alison Nelson, Founder & Owner
Timeout New York 2004 Eat Out Award Winner: “Best Chocolate Store”
Winner 2005 Gourmet News “20 Under 40”: Alison Nelson, Founder & Owner
Winner 2005 Gourmand World Cookbook Award Chocolate Bar: Recipes and Entertaining Ideas For Living The Sweet Life
Winner 2003 New York Daily News Best Holiday Sampler: Chocolate Bar
Finalist: 2003 London Design Awards: Chocolate Bar Packaging

United Restaurant Development
United Restaurant Development (URD), a subsidiary of the Saudi-based United Group is looking to further expand its business in the Gulf region. United Restaurant Development is a company consumed by, and totally passionate about food. Driven by its love affair to gastronomic greatness, URD specializes in restaurant and franchise development, whilst always aspiring to be a dynamic and vibrant company. URD’s portfolio of brands includes Cinnabon, Seattle’s Best Coffee and the hip Beirut Zaatar w Zeit. For more information please visit www.urd.ae

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