Chocolate Bar Expands Internationally!

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 it's 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 cafi 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.

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

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. 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

Chocolate Bar LBI
Pack your bikini's! Alis