Community Corner

Max Brenner to Open July 31 in Bethesda

Max Brenner opens at 7263 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, on July 31.

The wait is over for Bethesda's new chocolate eatery Max Brenner.

The much-anticipated Max Brenner chocolate bar opens in downtown Bethesda (7263 Woodmont Ave.) at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31.

It's the unique chocolate eatery chain's first location in the DC area, and it joins more than 40 other chocolate bars around the world. Max Brenner restaurants (serving other foods such as burgers in addition to chocolate foods and drinks) also operate in New York City, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Boston.

Max Brenner's approach to chocolate is highly experiential. Patrons are encouraged not just to eat or drink chocolate, but to experience it. Special cups, mugs and utensils are used to serve chocolate drinks, fondue and other chocolate edibles. For example, the "hug mug" for hot chocolate is shaped so that one hugs it with one's hands, while the "kangaroo cup" has a special pouch for chocolate that drains into the coffee mug part of the cup. Watch Max Brenner's executive chef demonstrate the kangaroo cup.

Signature menu items include hot chocolate, "Choctails," fondues, pearl sugar waffles, chocolate pizzas and chocolate-filled syringes.

"Bethesda Row, with its uncommon combination of retail, entertainment and dining options, is the ideal location for Max Brenner’s Chocolate Bar,” Sam Borgese, CEO of Max Brenner International, said in a statement.

"We look forward to introducing residents of Bethesda to our chocolate culture," he added.

Inside the eatery at 7263 Woodmont Ave., vats of swirling chocolate will greet patrons as they enter while chocolate pipes run the length of the ceiling, the restaurant reported.

A retail portion of the premises will sell "the company’s legendary bonbons, caramelized pecans, chocolate slabs and tablets, as well as its full line of ceramic utensils," the restaurant added.

Max Brenner will be open in Bethesda from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 


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