For those seeking a unique and delicious chocolate experience, look no further than the newly opened Max Brenner Chocolate Bar, located on Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda.
An internationally renowned company, Max Brenner originated in Ra’anana, Israel in 1996 and quickly expanded to having 50 locations worldwide with many as far away as Australia, Singapore and Manila.
Broken down into two concepts, Max Brenner International features chocolate bar restaurants and chocolate bars like the new location in Bethesda that had its soft opening this past Wednesday.
Sam Borgese, CEO of Max Brenner International, explained that Bethesda was chosen as the new home for the chocolate bar due to its vibrant and happening atmosphere.
“Bethesda is a great place to begin our Washington, D.C., journey. We’re really excited about D.C. as it’s becoming its own food capital and is an exciting culinary location,” he said.
Featuring signature items such as hot chocolate, choctails, fondues, sugar waffles, chocolate pizzas and even chocolate-filled syringes, the chocolate bar is an alternative to traditional chocolate experiences, Borgese said.
“We want to unleash chocolate and let it run free,” he said. “We intend to create a new chocolate culture worldwide and want people to experience chocolate like they never have before.”
Although the chocolate bar’s official opening is slated for after Labor Day, Borgese made the decision to open early due to popular demand.
“We still have about 10 percent of the facility to complete but due to tremendous demand (the bar actually ran out of food last Sunday night) we opened early,” said Borgese, who added that the two biggest sellers so far have been the fondues and choctails.
The Bethesda location also has a retail area where guests can purchase Max Brenner gift sets and the company’s signature bonbons, caramelized pecans, chocolate slabs, tablets and full line of ceramic utensils.
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar is located at 7263 Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda and is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant can be reached at 301-215-8305, while the retail shop can be contacted at 301-215-8306.
