GHIRARDELLI HISTORY

1852: Domingo Ghirardelli, a native of Rapallo, Italy, goes into the chocolate business in San Francisco.

1885: Ghirardelli has 30 employees and ships throughout the United States and overseas.

1893: The chocolate factory moves to Ghirardelli Square on San Francisco's northern waterfront.

1894: Ghirardelli dies at age 77.

1906: The factory escapes damage in the great San Francisco earthquake and fire.

1962: In an early example of historic preservation, the antiquated factory is sold to local business interests for conversion to retail space.

1965: San Francisco declares Ghirardelli Square an official city landmark.

1982: National Historic Register status granted to Ghirardelli Square.

1998: Lindt and Sprungli Chocolate of Switzerland buys Ghirardelli Chocolate Co.

2002: Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. celebrates 150th anniversary.

2008: Fairmont Heritage Place opens in Ghirardelli Square.